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"BY RIGHT 0? MIGHT." 



A PLAY OP TO-DAY IN POUR ACTS, 



BY 



MIROIil LEPPIUGWELL. 



COPYRIGHTED 1910 , 



BY 



ALEX, BYERS. 



NOTE. 

Under itlie new copyright lav/, tlie rights of prTJduction of 
a play are not secured by the purchase of a manuscript of it , and 
copying of a copyrighted play, and sale of copies of it, are of- 
fences piinishahle by fine, and if done wilfully, by imprisonment,, 

Por manuscripts of this play, and rights to produce it, 
apply to 

THE CHICAGO MAMISCRIPT C0„ , 

144 LA SALLE ST a , 

CHICAGO, ILL. 



^?S' 



V 



^ gClD 21813 



"''"■^''* "THE RIGHT OF MIGHT." 

CAST. 

Joseph Gurney An electrical expert. 

Walter Louder^ack The owner of the Radio Dynamic Works 

Lieut. Nelson Loudertack His son. 

William Curdle — -The superintendent. 

Raynor Shine -— ^— .—A rolling stone , 

Elsie Gurney • ) 

) Joseph's daughters. 

Lucy Gurne;r- -) 

Ivirs. Louderbact -Walter's wife. 



S y H P S I S, 

TF IT TT TT It ii h ii 



Act 1: Grounds of the Louderback Mansion. 

Act 11:- — Joe Gurney' s cottage. 

Act 111:— " " » 

Act IV:- — Drawing room of the Louderback mansion. 



Place: Philaopolis - an American city, 

Time: The Present. 



— — ooooOOOOoooo- 



9.V 61 . 



ACT I 



Garden drop, 



4^. Pence . ^ 

..^ -7/ -' X 

Wing -._■; \, 
) , 1 

_ _'" ArlDor. ■ 5 j I I 

\7ini.:) ' ill 



^ 



¥ing . 



(1) Gateway R,U,E. t-vo large statues "bearing lights as posts of 
gateway, which, is obliqued. Steps and platform lead off R.U.E, 

(2) Windowo (3) Hoiise. (4) Door. (5) Steps. (6) Window. 
(7) Tree. 

Garden and grounds of \'7alter Louderhack's Hone. A set 
as elaborate as possible . A handsome garden drop for backing, 
but loiters to give the ideaof the house and gardeto terrace in 
front part of stage is on an eleTation. Handsome house with steps 
leading up to L. of stage. High ornamental iron fence at back. 
Sxiiriiaer house and arbor effect R. Large tree with seat surround- 
ing it down R. Wood wings. Pill in with flower beds, statues and 
garden set pieces to give the idea of liixury. 

« — -ooooOOOOoooo 

(At rise "the stage is empty-, Time, late afternoon.) (The honk- 
honk of an auto car heard, pause, then enter R,U,Eo Walter 
Louderback and William Ciordle, his secretary. Louder back, the 
magnate, is a well noi;irished individual of confident and 
patronizing personality. Curdle is about as old - fifty years - 
alert and aggressive, gives the impression that although a 
subordinate, he values his own importance.) 

Louderback. 
Quite a creditable effort on your part,. Curdle. I didnit think 
it was in you, I couldn't have done better myself.- 

Curdle. 
Thanks, We neither of us had had much chance to "talk politics" 
in aiur lives, 

Louderback, 
"Talking politics" is simply loafing, I am a believer in quick 
action - that's always been my policy, and that is why i have 
raised you to your responsible position. 

Curdle , 
Thanks again I (Ironically.) 

Louderback, 
You knov/, the older I get, the more I believe in the doctrine 
of the right of might. This talk about "Americanism" and 



>■ ''.:■: '^iiti •■-.'■'^ ^~:^: -r. 






3-lT. 

"sacred independence" In tine use of the iDallot is all pappy-cock. 
The natural instinct of the human animal is to work less him- 
self and make the masses lahor for him, and bj'- the rule of the 
siorvival of the fittest, we who rise and acquire the power are 
childish •=* when we persuade where we should comroand* 

Curdle . 
That's why I came out "bluntly as I did and told them that the 
horrible Ex Senator ITorgJium was your choice for governor „ 
of course he's a grafter, hut - oh, what's the use? 

Louderhacko 
Certainly. It woiild be a waste of time. Never appear to 
anyone's love when you can appeal to his fear - I don'.t. 
It's all right to mask the fist of steel with a velvet glove, 
but let them know the steel is there. By the wa;/-, why wasn't 
Joe Gurney at the meeting? Didn't you tell him to come? 

Curdle « 
Oh yes, 

Louderback. 
What did he say? 

Curdle. 
He said he was busy, 

Louderback. 
Busy? At what? 

Curdle. 
Preparing to measure the comet's tail. Asked for an advance of 
money for the piorpose. 

Eouderba ,cke 
Why, he's crazy. Does he suppose I'm going to give up my good 
money for any such fool piirpose? 

Curdle . 
You know what a dreaiaer Gurney is . 

Louderback. 
I know he'll be out of a Job soon unless he gets busy. I want 
him to do my; work, not waste his time. He ought to 
discover the perfect insulation before he dies, to be of any 
value to me . 

Ciird^e. 
Suppose he did discover it, and someone else acquired the 
rights, where v/ould we be? The immense stock we have on hand 
of dynamos would have to be sent to the scrap pile. 

Louderback, 
"^^7} do you mean to insinuate that after all my kidness to 
him he would be disloyal enough to - rats - didnH I give him a 
thousand dollars for his first invention? 

Curdle . 
Yes, and it made you the employer of five thousand riien, and I 
don't know hov; many times a millionaire. 

Louderback. 
It isn't your business to know how much I've got. 

Curdle. 
(Correcting him.) Youtve had. 

Louderback. 
Eh? 

Curdle . 
You*ve 'had. What you've had and what you've got ~ well, that's a 
different matter. On the whole - if ^'■ou'll take my advice, be 
nice to Gurney, just at present - we can't afford to lose him. 

Louderback. 
There's nc man in this -world whose place can't Be filled. 

Curdle . 
I grant you, but the man who takes Gurney 's place may not be as 
cheap as Gurney. (Enter Lieut. Nelson Gurney R.U.E.) 



4-lT. 

Louderback. 
^hy, Gurney is as "meek as Moses.", 

Ciirdle . 
Yes, as "rneek as Moses" - but just think what happened to 
Pharoah and the rest of the Egyptians when Moses got busy. 

Louderback. 
ITo scriptural allusion, Curdle, you*re apt to get them 
mixed. 

Nelsons 
(Coming down E.) You had yours mixed, dad, when you spoke of 
that strong fellow "Simpson" who took a "mule's jaw bone" and 
killed five thousand "Philadelphians." What's this about 
Gurney? How is Joe? 

Louderback. 
Nelson, when did you get back? 

Nelson. 
Just now. 

Louderback, 
You came direct from Washington. How was Senator Sorghum when 
you left? 

Nelson. 
As usual, unfit for publication - he had the old "load" on, 

Louderback, 
See here, I won't have you speak of your future fatheri-in-law 
in that way. 

Nelson. 
Oh come now, dad-- 

Louderback. 
I tell you I won't have it - such scandalous language. Why, it 
would be disrespectful even if — 

Nelson, 
But isn^t it true? And as far as the disrespect goes, v/hat do 
they say of him even in his own party? Didn't the last 
president call him a predatory politician whom the malefactors 
of great wealth — 

Curdle • 
(Reprovingly.) In which class the Philaopalis Bugie included 
your father, young man. 

Louderback. 
(Angrily.) Don't you butt in. Curdle. 

Nelson. 
No J Curdle, don,t, and furthermore, don it "young man" me, I 
don't like it. Dad, Duleie Sorghiim is a sweet girl, and loves 
someone else, and I dontt care for her, but I would have to love 
her very much to ever consent to take her disreputable grafting 
old progenitor into my family. 

Louderback. 
I want jrou.to understand fjelson, this family is not your 
family yet, but my family. I have encouraged you in habits of 
extravagance, but I don't propose to give jon everything. 

Nelson. 
Well, there's one thing I lion't let you give me, and that is 
Senator Sorghum. Now lefs drop> this, and answer my question - 
what's this about Joe? 

Louderback. 
Oh, damn Joe . 

Felson. 
What - damn Joe? Poor old Joe to whom we owe everything. Oh 
dad, such scandaloud language I To use it about Joe ~ a genius'. 

Louderback. 
A genius? A rrsre inventor? A mechanic? 

Curdle • 
Let me tel]. you, Lieutenant — 



lTelson» 
I prefer you wouldn't tell me anything, Curdle. 

Cx;!rdle c 
(Indignantly^ J Curdle? Ifhy not lir? Ciardle? Why plain Curdle? Hear 
me J I merely want to say that a genius is a practical man who 
although he ma^'- not haye invented anything himself, has insight 
courage and shrewdness to recognize the comiaerdial value in 
another laan's invention, and "by virtue of capital and energy, 
acquires it, or — 

Bel son,, 
Steals itp 

Curdle , 
What? Do 3''0U term your father a rohher; Lieutenant? 

Nelsono 
Ho, Curdle, dad Is not a genius, that is, not such as you 
describe, still If there's anything in heredity, I imagine 
there must have heen some Louderbacks who ploughed the 
Spanish mainc (Seeing Iirs. Louderback who enters from house) 
How areyouj mother? (Going to her and embracing her.) 

lilrSr Louderbacko 
Ilelson " what - back fr cm Washington to soon? Well, this is 
a surprise o 

lTelson = 
Not an unpleasant one, mother, I hopepWhere's Elsie? 

Ijirs L» 
I sent her away half an hour ago on a mission of mercy to the 
widow of that poor man who was killed last week at the works » 

ITelson, 

(Affectionately, taking her hands o) You are the same old 

mother always = 

Curdle . 
Don't be prodigal in youf charity, -[nrs Louderback - remember 
that woman drinks. She is already provided for by the fund, and 
receives three dollars and seventy five cents a week for 
herself and child. 

ITelson^ 
Three seventy five? And she drinks? All that money? It's 
enough to drive her to drink. 

Curdle . 
I only wish to warn your mother. The contemplation of vice 
sours the milk of human kindness. 

■jaelson.: 
Itra must have soured yours, No wonder you bear that awful 
name of "Curdle?" 

Curdle, 
(Indignantly.) Sir: (Nelson ignores him.) 

Ng.1 s on o 
Did she have to go far? (To Mrs L. ) 

Louderbacko 
(Impatiently^) Wh© have to go far? 

Nelsono 
Elsie, to be sure - Joe Gurney's daughter, 

Louderback, 
I would prefer you would not speak so familiarly of the young 
woman, her place is in the house, oniy that of a servant - 
an upper one, to be sure-- 

Ivlrs L. 
(Protesting timidly,) Why Walter , she's my companion, my 
Secretary. 

Louderback, 
(Impatiently^ ) Let ms finish,. Don't I pay her wages? Qr you 
do, but it's with m^ money. She has here an exalted position 
for a girl of her class, and she ought to be grateful, but I 



propose that the English custoa -ahall "be followed in this 
household of calling all the help loy their last or family 
names as "Wiggins" - my hutler, or "Vanderhilt" - my coach- 
man, instead of Percy and Harold, their given names.. The 
English knoviT more about these things.. 

Tcrelson. 
I see. Come, let^s go in, mother. (Leads her to house.) 

Curdle « 
Excellent ideal It impresses the difference "between menial and 
superior. To call a man "by his last name without a handle to 
i-J;, shows you don'. t regard him as "being in your class. 

Louderhack, 
That's it. Curdle, that's it» 

Uelson. 
You have the idea exactlv, "Curdle" - exactly. (Laughs, exits 
with Mrs. L. into house =.) 

Curdle o 
Humph : 

Louderhack-^ 
"Savj my boy, has it in for you for something. What is it? 

Curdle, 
He probably doesnit like the fact that I have paid a few 
attentions to Joe Gurney's daughter » 

Louderback, 
Which of his daughters? 

Curdlea 
?/hy Elsie, to be sure « 

Louderbacko 
\7hat ? You dontt mean to say that, man? Have you gone 
crazj'-? 

Curdle . 
Hot altogether, 

Louderback, 
\¥hat - would you, my chief man of business, stoop to marry 
the daughter of one of my workmen? 

Curdle <. 
I might. I could elevate her to my level, 

Louderback » 
'^^'^^7} you are as old as !_ am. 

Curdle « 
(Quickly.) But better preserved. There are old men, and old 
men« I don't feel more than twenty'- mine at times. (Walks 
around briskly.) 

Louderback « 
Oh, what a delusion. You are certainly'- handing me something, 
But tell me, if you are ,such a lunatic, why should Nelson 
feel anything but pity for you? 

Curdle. 
Because he loves the girl himself, 

Louderback « 
Wha t? (p^oaring.) 

Curdle c 
That's what brought him back from Washington so soon. I 
know what I know. 

Louderback, 
If I thought that, I''d turn her oi;t of the house at once. She 
dare to even think of becoming a Louderback! I'll talk to him, 
and fll talk to her, and when I talk , I sa^ things. 

Curdle . 
Better not be hasty » Remember the velvet glove. 

Louderback, 
The velvet glove can go to - to - 



Curdle , 
Hush: (Stopping him.) Please don't indulge in profanity "before 
me. I am a decon. Get your son away from the influence of the 
siren. Get him away, get him avrziyll 

Louderhack. 
And she would aspire to - my family? 1*11 get them hoth away. 
And to think what that hoy hai'ii cost me since he left V/est 
Point - and he could marrj?- a senator's daughter, and he would 
stoop to — 

Curdle , 
Have him called back to Washington at once. Use the long 
distance phone, get Sorgh-um to go imxaediately to the war 
department — 

Louderhack . 
Good: Good: I will, and while he's absent, you marry the girl. 
Of course she's not up to my famil;'-, Curdle, "but she's not a 
had sort of girl,, and she would make you a good wife. You 
need someone to "prop" your declining years. Yes, she's all 
right, Curdle, although you did speak of her as a siren. 

Curdle . 
(Gravely.) As I said before, I an a deacon, and Deacon and 
Siren seem to be popularly associated, 

Joe Gurne:^, 
(Enters RoU,E^ - he is in his shirt s^leeves, no hat and 
excited and anxious in manner.) Ah, ^^. Louderback, I'm glad 
I found you, sir. I have been looking for you at the works, 
I was here before, and - 

Louderback. 
Why, what is the matter? What has happened? 

Joe. 
The Express office vrill close shortly'-, sir, and there's an 
important shipment for me there^, I can't go ahead without it, 
I need fifty dollars — 

Louderback. 
Go ahead in what? 

Joe . 
My tests regarding the gases in the comet's tail. I am making 
an experiment and - 

Louderback 
What the devil do I care about the comet's tail? 

Joe. 
Don», t talk that way, i,p-. Louderback, it is unholy, we won't 
have another siich a chance in seventy five years, I may not 
live that long and you know you won*t. 

Louderback. 
Come down to earth, Gurney, come down to earth where I am, 

Joe, 
I know that you are of the earth, "earthy" so to speak, but you 
are enveloped by gas at present - we all are - cyanogen from 
the comet's tail, (Enter Lucy Gxirney R.U»E« Ra;Tnor Shine 
following.) 

Louderback, 
(Seeing her.) Lucy Gurney, you ought to teach your father to 
take better care if himself and appear more like a sane man and 
less like a lunatic when he comes here. Curdle, come inside, we 
miist get Senator Sorghum on the phone at once. (Curdle crosses 
L . to house . ) 

Joe . 
(Detains Louderback who is about to exit by laying his hand 
on his sleeve.) But the express office - the comet, sir - 
the c omet , 



Loudertack. 
Irritated,) Dornt paw me, you* 11 nuss my coat. (Shaking off 
Joe's hand, brushing himself.) Wake up, Gurney, get down to 
solid worko Do something for me, your benefactor whogives you 
your bread, and stop dreaming. Compared with, the Radio Djmamic 
Co., what is a mere measlej'- comet? Think of the good of the 
firm, Gurnej?-, the good of the firm. (Exits into house followed 
by Curdle.) (Joe is lost for words and half puzzled, looks 
after Louderback.) 

Lucye 
(Comes behind Joe, takes him by the shoulders, shakes him.) 

Joe - 
(Turnings) Eh - what? Oh yes, Luc^'-, .ifs you, 

Luc;''» 
•vres father, where 's your hat? 

Joe . 
Hat, eh? ?/hy, I've got it on? (Peels heado.) Uo, I haven't. 

Lucky o 
And your coat, 

Joe , 
Coat? (I'eels arms .) Eh - oh yes, I really don it know where I 
left it. 

Lucy* 
Don^t you know where you took it off? 

Joe 
"Lucy, I do^'t think I know where I put it on. 

Lucy, 
When did you wear it the last time? 

Joe . 
Eh - yes - oh yes, I wore it when I went with youc 

Lucy . 
Yes? 

Joe . 
To church last Sunday. 

Luc3'-« 
Oh dear - dear J How could you come here to Mr. Louderback* s 
in such a state? 

Joe . 
State? What state? 

Lucj/-* 
Look at yourself J 

Joe , 
What's the matter with me? Are you trving to make a dude of 
me? 

Luc2'". 
Well, coirB home. 

Joe. _ 

Not yet - I have most important business with ^^r. Louder-backc 

Lucy* 
What is the business? 

Joe. 
The business is - (Noticing Raynor Shine for the first time) 
Ahem: I can't tell you - that is - Just now, (M^rsteriously. ) 

Raynor . 
Am I intruding, li\r - Gurney? 

Joe . 
Oh bless you, no, ^r. Shine - no, no-, no ~ not at all* 

Raynor , 
You know I'm deaf, dumb and blind. 

Joe. 
(Mildly.) Are you? tow extraordinar;/-, (Abstractedly.) I never 
noticed it. (To Lucy.) Now Lucy, there's a good girl, go away - 
go home, I must see Uto Louderback and - 



(Looks significantly at Ra3nior , he exits R.U.E.) 

Joe.. 
There now, I'm isare we have offended that young man, I didn't 
want to speak "before H51 him - to expose my poverty. He* 11 
think "by and by that we haven it ver;'- much money. You know, 
dear, that's what "brought me to see Jiir. Louderback,. I want to 
make my tests to-night, and - 

Lucy . 
Listen, father. 

Joe« 
Yes dear. 

Lucy. 
Raynor's all right, 

Joe o 
Is he? 

Lucy , 
Of course, "^e saw you leave the house as you are, and Raynor 
picked up your coat and hat and we brought them after you. We 
didn't want to give them to you before jiir, Louderback and that 
horrible Curdle . 

Joe „ 
I'm very glad you didn;t. Do you, know, Lucy, these people 
think I'm eccentric » 

Lu cy . 
We guessed you were coming hero, but we couldn't catch you, 
(RajTior Shine re-enters with coat and hat. Lucy takes them.) 
Thank you, ^r. Shine » Now will you do something for me? 

Rajoaor^ 
Of course,? 

Lucvo 
Run €s back to the house - here's the key - get in and get to the 
oven as quick as you can. 

Raynor , 
Get to the oven as quick as I can - yes. 

Lu cy e 
And take that veal pie out. Let me have your pocket comb. 
( Take s it . ) 

Raynor p 
l^ith pleasure. You know, Lucy, I'd do anything in the world 
for yous (Going.) 

Lucy. 
Take care - you may burn your fingers. 

Rajmors 
Ah, if you but kknew the flame in my heart. 

Luc^r , 
If it isn't baked to a cinder, we'll have it for supper, 

Raynor ♦ 
My heart for supper I 

Lucy * 
No, calf 5 the veal pie , 

P^ynor 0. 
Oh: (Exits R.UcE.) 

Lucy, 
Father, put on your coat. (Joe does so.) Now sit here and let 
me fix you up a bit. (Pushes him on to seat by tree.) 

Joe . 
(Preoccupied.) It's strange that people don*t take more 
interest in wha.t's on every side of them» 

Luc y 
Interest, father? (Combing his hair.) 



10 -No 

Joe . 

Yes. Louder"back spoke most contemptuously of it. 

Lucy. 
Of what, father? 

Joe„ 
Of the comet's tail. (PlaintiTelj'-, ) LouderlDack hasnH a soul 
avOTe insulations or ar^matures. When I seek some recreation 
in the dualistic theory and the doctrine of compound radicles, 
in otserring the ratio between oxygen of bases and acids, 
Louderback thinks I am wasting my time, or as he calls it, his 
time , be.cause he pays me a salary c 

Lucy. 
Hfflld your head still a moment* 

Joe . 
It's so, though. (Pause . ) Aht (Struck with idea.) I have it I 
I have it] (Jumps up=) 

(Pulls him back.) Sit down. 



Lucy , 
Joe, 



Ouch: ¥ill you be long, Lucy? 

Lucy. 
Two minutes if you're still, half an hour if you donH. When 
I get you presentable, you can go in and see I.ir. Laudernback 
like a Christian. 

Joe , 
You comb my hair too much, Lucy. Of course it's very kind of 
you. but you comb it altogether too much. 

Lucy . 
Well, I want 3'"0U to look nice. You know I'm the little mother 
of your household - now that Elsie is away, I'm the only one 
to look after you. (Eixing his collar and tie.) 

Joe. 
Dear Elsie. (Elsie enters R.U.E.) Do you know, Luc^''. a man's 
awful rich when he's like me and has two such daughters as 
Elsie and you. I don't know of another man as blessed as I am. 

Elsie. 
Pather: (Coming down to him.) 

Joe. 
Elsie. Ah my child, come here. Elsie - Lucy - my bairns - 
both'. Soth close - close to my breast. (Hugging them both) 
Ah, I wouldn't change places with - with - "Nicolo Tesla" 
himself. 

Els ie , 
Pather, did you come to see me? 

Joe. 
No Elsie, to be truthful, I didn't come to see you. 

Elsie. 
What are you domng here then? 

Lucy . 
Oh, I haven't succeeded in d oin g anything. I have been quite 
passive. Lucy your sister has been operating on me. She is 
trying to mate a little Lord Pauntleroy of me . 

Elsie, 
I just passed Jte , shin e - he was hurrying along like mad, he 
never stopped to speak, but mumbled something about pie, and 
kept on. 

Lucy. 
Yes, I sent him to the house to save my pie in the oven and - 
(Opening bag, she carries.) I declare, instead of the key to 
the house, I've given him the key of the coal bin. Look after 
father, Elsie, that Shine fellow if he finds the key won't do, 
is likely to kick our front door in. ("Rxitx R.U.E.) 



Joe. 
Now what do you think of that? Gives him the wrong key, 
(Chuckling,) And she calls me ahsent mindedl She takes kfter her 
old daddy, doesn»t she? (Suddenly soherSo) Prohably she knew she 
gave him the wrong key so she could follow him. (Myster iousljr, ) 
I am going to tell you a secret - I suspect your sister is fond 
of that young man.. 

Elsie , 
Why do you think so, father? 

Joe„ 
She bosses him so, walks over him as if he v/ere a door mat. 
Oh, I kno'fl- all the signs, that's the v/ay your mother treated me. 
But he's a fine young fellow, Elsie, with a great talent for 
electrical dynamics. Not as keen on chemistry as I woiild ^ilse 
to see one of his age, hut he has a very good head neverthe- 
less« 

Elsie. 
I thought he was agent for some land speculators. Felson, 
Lieut* Louderhack told me he was. They are great friends, hx 
were at West Pointy together, but llr<r Shine didn't c ample te 
the course. Isn't he a civil engineer. 

Joe , 
He was, but his natural bent of mind is toward electricity. Well,' 
anywaj'- I have accepted him as my pupil and hope to make 
something of him. ( Plaintively.) If he takes Lucy away from 
me, though, I shall be all alone in the old house c 

El sie , 
Father, would you like me to come back to the old house and 
live with you always? 

Joe , 
Live with me alwajrs? Of course I shoiild like it for my own 
sake, but you must think of yourself, my dear. We must both think 
of your future. I am such a thoughtless, careless old fellow. 
£11 the money I get goes somewhere as soon as I get it. I 
don't know where it goes, but it goes somewhere. 

Elsie » 
Father, I'm glad you don't like money. 

Joe . 
But I do like it, I'm very fond of it, and I should like to be 
rich so that I could have everything I want to carry on my 
experiments, but I shall always be poor . I fcm happy in knowing 
that you are here. I know that Mrs" Louderback who is an angel 
of goodness, loves you, and your fntvore is an a way provided 
for. Here you will no doubt, meet some good substantial man 
of business, whom you can respect and uarry. 

Ma Elsie . 
Don'.t let us speak of that, but tell me of yoiir work. You say, 
father, you didn't come here to-day to see me. 

Joe, 
No, I came to see t/rr* Louderback, (Re-enter Curdle from 
house.) You see, Elsie, I needed fifty dollars to get some 
material out of the exp-ess office, and - ( Seeing Curdle.) 
Oh Mr. Ciordle, don't you think Ijir* Louderback would be at 
liberty to receive me now? You can see I am what they call 
quite presentable. (Indicating his appearance.) 

Curdle « 
(Looks him over.) I think Iir, Louderback might receive you 
now. ^y don't you come in and try? 

Joe . 
Thank you, I will. 



Curdle o 
I'll wait hers for youo Let nc Icnow what he says - if he 
refuses, we inay find a way» 

Joe « 
That's mighty good of you to sa,y so. 

Curdle » 
I'll m^ait here and Miss Elsie shall keep me company, if she 
will = 

Joe o 
(Heartily*) Why, of course she will, wonrt you dear? I won't 
"be gone long. (Exits into house.) 

Curdle , 
Elsie, have you thought over y/hat I said? 

Els ie „ 
Mr. Curdle, I haven't, to he truthf^^l, given it a thought. The 
matter was closed at our last talk. It is a "buried subjectr. 
DonJt let us try to revive it. 

Curdle « 
I thought you were a serious minded person - you are romantic. 
Do you expect love in a husband? 

Elsie . 
Liostwomen do e 

Curdle o 
I'm a plain business man and talk in a plain business way. I 
do not offer love, because there is no one in the world I 
could love better than I love myselfc 

Elsie o 
I believe you. 

Curdle » 
You see I am a-frank= I would want our union to be one of soimd 
sense. Love and marriage have nothing to do witheach other. 
Love is all e xcitement J marriage ought to be all calm= 
Marriage means a home, a family, a place to bring up children 
in peace and tanquility.. LeVe is insanity, marriage is aanity - 
love is— 

Elsie c 
lfha.t do you know about love« You acknowledge - nothing. Then 
why profane its sacred name? Do you suppose a woman who had 
any ideals Y,rhatsoever would honestl3r marry you on the terms you 
offer? I know of none . 

Curdle, 
(Camly) Yoi^rself, 

Elsie, 
Myself? Why my dear Hir ^ Curdle, I wouldn't marry you on any 
terms at all, even if you had what you lack - lack oh, so 
tremendousl;^ - warmth of affection. I might respect you, 
kut my hand goes with my heart and could only be given to the 
man I love. 

Curdle « 
Love is a disease - marriage is solid, solid health. 

Elsie 
I think your ideas are horrible , 

Curdle , 
Don't piiTsue a phantomo 

Elsie.. 
Domt worry yourself, I would flee from one - a hideous one - 
so I will bid you good afternoon. (Starts to go into houseO 

Curdle. 
(Intercepts her,) Can't you realize that this dream of yours 
is wicked folly? Would you rather be the playing of an idle 
hour than an honest man's wife? Young Louderback - (Pauses)- 



13 -N, 

Elsie» 
liir o Curdle, I think you are going too faro 

Curdle , 
It is settled that he is to niarry the senator's daughter - what 
can he do for you? ¥ould you break your father's heart and 
cover him would disgrace? Louderhack would driye him out 
in his old age, penniless, to find another way of making a 
living. Are you v/illing to have his misery pay the price for 
your rnad infatuation? 

Elsie „ 
Have you finished? 

Curdle. 
Oh noj I can sa.y more. It is a business principle with me to 
always hold a reserve in everything^ I never pla3^ my last 
card, I never spend my last dollar, and I repeat that what- 
ever he may say to the contrary, that Lieut. Louderback and 
his father definitely settled to-day that he shall marry 
Senator Sorghumi s daughter. 

Joe o 
(Outside o) Then you won't do it, sir? 

Louderbacka 
(Outside*) I certainly wiil not - not a cent - not a cent. 
(Pause, Joe re-enters from house L,) 

Joe » 
(Crestfallen.) It's no use, no use. 

Curdle p 
J-Jir Louderback refused, Joe? 

Joe o 
Yes, yes. Elsie - I " I think I'll go home c 

Curdle » 
Staj'-,' JoBa You said the material would cost fifty dollars,? 
(Nelson in doorwayo ) 

Joe 
Yes, 

Curdle . 
YiTell, if you promise to keep it a secret just among us 
three, not let I*-. Louderback know, I will lend you the money. 

Joe, 
You will? 

Curdle, 
Yeso 

Elsie, 
(Interposing.) Father, don't accept money from that man. 

Curdle J 
Eh? 

Joe o 
Elsie; 

Elsie, 
I repeat, don't take his money unless you want to distress me, 

Cxirdle. 
Oho, my lady, so that's the- tone we take, eh? Thenwar be it, 
■and we'll see who will win. 

ITelson^ 
(Coming down.) You won i t , Curdle, that's a certainty. I can 
see you already licked to a frazzle. Joe, Elsie's right - 
Curdle 's money's "tainted."''/ Here, borrow from your friend. 
(Stuffs bills into Joe's hand.) Get along to that express 
office before it closes up, 

Elsie. 
Eather - don it - dontt. 



ITelsoris 
Eurry up, SToe j you^ve only five minutes,. 

Elsie, 
llelson -• please - Lieutenant LouderlDaclc - father - listen to 
ine„ (Joe Toewildered, ttirns from one to the other <,) 

lTelson,j 
Don't do it, Joe, Rememher the comet's tailo (Hurries off 
Joe.,) (T\;!rns to Curdloo) Now Curdle, h word with youa Yoiir 
unpleasant personality has "been exaggerated of late. You're 
ohnoxious, you are superfulous *-• you are excrescent' I don't 
want to tell the dog catchers ahout ^''ouj hut patience has its 
limits, that's alio (Looks at Curdle who does not answer, but 
slowly exits into house L, looking hack«) Elsie: (She comes 
to him, he emhraces her.) He's "been annoying you again. 
Don't worry, dear, it wonH be for long? 

Els ie c 
Uelson. you shouldn't have given father that moneyo 

]Telson„ 
Dad and I owe your father more than we will ever be able to 
pay. 

Elsiee 
But don't 37-ou see it looks like -. 

Nelsono 
Patience, dear heart 3 patience o We will soon be able to stand 
hand in hand together and face the world as man and wifeo 

Elsie, 
Yoxor fatlier's anger will be terrible. It will mean your dis- 
inheritance and my father's ruin^ That man Curdle told me so* 

Nelsono 
My disinheritance is the least of all I fear? There are 
powerful reaspns why our union should be kept a secret one, 
■plsie^ Danger manaces my father alsoo You can't understand at 
present you must not try to understand, but trust 
me, dear, and all will come out s.ll right. 

Louderbacko 
(Enters from house, sees them together, comes C») Miss Surrey, 
my wife demands your presence, (Pause , she does not move.) 
Do you hear. Miss? Mrsc. Louderback is waiting for youa 

Elsie p 
Yes sir. (Exits slowly into house.) 

Louderback. 
How sir, can you explain this? 

ITelsono 
It explains itself » 

'■ Louderbacko 

¥hat - that yon would play the blackguard and libertine 
under the roof which shelters your mother? 

ITelson^ 
I am neither a blackguard nor a libertine, and your inference 
not only insults me j but the lady who has just left us, 

Louderbacko 
I cantt afford a public scandal here, you know thato If you. 
wish to entertain a mistress, have her domiciled away from 
this town o 

ITelsono 
Ah, you are willing that I should be a scoundrel, but that I 
should keep my vices hidden., 

Louderback, \ 

I v/ouldn't have you brazen them out where they will harm my 
reputation^ 

ITelson. - • ' 

Your reputation shall never suffer through-any act -of .mine, and 
my life shall always be open to the light of day , 



Loiiderbaclc. 
Then what do you propose to do with Gurney*s daughter? 

Tjelson. 
■What any honorable man would do with the woman ¥/hom he loves 
and who loves him, marry her, of course. 

Iiouderhack. 
What - marrj'- thedaughter of one of my workmen? 

Nelson. 
llarry the daughter of the man to whom- you owe ererj'' thing, 

Louderhack . 
You know how I am involved with Senator Sorgh-um^ 

lTelson = 
I know that in his cups he boasts that you are com pletely 
in his power - I know he hints that if you forsake him, you are 
likely to go to prison for bribery 

Louderback. 
Hush: Hush: Hush: (Fearfully looking around, ) 

ilel s on c 
And you would have me marry the daughter of this man - a girl 
who loves another. You would wreck four lives because you and 
this rum soaked political parasite have common interests in 
finance and robbery of the people, and because you fear he is a 
conscienceless Judas and will betray youd You demand this 
sacrifice of me » Well, I will not make it. 

Louderback. 
And I will force youo 

nelson. 
You haven't the power. 

Louderback. 
We'll see, 

ITe-lson. 
We shall see. I am willing that laatters shall remain in 
abeyance for the present. Dulcie Sorghi^m and I understand each 
other perfectly. .To this v/orld we will seem an engaged couple 
until you can find the means to buy your freedom from this 
incumbus which threatens you, but remember this, v/hile I will 
try and do my loyal dut3r as a son, don't you try .to juggle 
with my heart's dearest wishes, the wishes centered in the 
girl I love - the girl who will be my wife. 

JUrs. Louderback. 
(Enters from house followed by Elsie and Curdle.) Oh my 
boy, my boy, are they going to send you away from me - so 
far *- so far? 

ITelson. 
Why, what is the matter, mother, Elsie, what is it? 

llrs. Louderback. 
(Clings to him, sobbing.) The long distance ^hone ? from Wash- 
ington - the war department - (Elsie crosses the stage sadlj?-, 
sinks on seat by tree . ) 

Nelson o 
The war department - yes? 

liirs, Louderback. 
Tell him, Mr. 'Curdle, tell him. 

Curdle. 
I'rom what I c ouldunder stand, you are to await orders here 
by telegraph to return to Washington, and there be assigned to 
immediate active service in the Philippines. (Turns to 
Louderback, aside.) Senator Sorghum has lost no time, 

Louderback. 
No. 

Nelson. 
There, there, mother, donit v/orry. Remember, when we work for 
Uncle Sam, we must go where Uncle San sends us. Dad, take 



16 -N. 

care of "mam." (Goes over to Elsie, embracing her.) Courage, 
my darling, coijir age, courage and all will be well. (Releasing her 
she sinks half fainting on bench.. Raynor Shine and Lucy re- 
enter, Lucy goes to Elsie.) (Calling Ray aside* ) Ray« If I am 
called away. Elsie may need a friend. (Glances at Curdle and 
Louderback.) You understand? 

Ray. 
You bet. 

Uelson. 
I'll go to the phone and find out the facte of this. feGoing 
toward house, ) 

Joe . 
(Entering R.U.) I've been to the express office, everything's 
all right. Lieutenant, I don^t know how to thank you. I'll 
be able to work to-night. (Seeing Elsie in tearso) Why, what's 
fehe matter, Elsie? What is it, dear? (She is sobbing on Lucy*s 
shoulder, he looks around inquiringly.) 

Curdle » 
(Advancing.) I will tell you, Joe* 

Ray» 
(takes Curdle by arm, forcibly leads him down L.) When Miss 
Gurney is ready, she'll tell him heriself. 

Curdle * 
Sir - I '^ (Trying vainly to free his arm.) 

Raynor* 
Not a word. (Low and intense*) If you try to wound him, or 
hurt her good name, I'll break your damned face.) 

PICTURE 



C U R T A I_ He 

II n II It II n II 



xLoud. 

X Mrs L, 

ITelson 
Joe X in door 

X Elsie. X 

Lucy X X Ray. 

X Curdle, 



oooooOOOOoooo •* 



■l-iT„ 



A C 



II, 



Two weeks later. Sitting roon inthe Curney cottage, A 
cozil;?" furnished interior. Late afternoon. 




X 



12 




11 



10 

O 



010 




ll)- CupTooard R» of windov/. (2) Window, with window seat, 

(3^ Book case. (4) Door,. (5) Upright piano- (6) Stool. (7) Door- 

(8) Sofao (9) Table, (10) Chairs, (11) Fireplace, 

(12) Door « Pictures and cushions and rugs to decorate set. 



— — ooo'oOOOOooooo 

Elsie. 
(At rise, Lucy is discovered at window at back looking out. 
Pause, "Elsie appears in door L. ) Lucj'-, 

Luc3?- o 
(Turning,) Elsie, dear, 

Elsie» 
Has the letter carrier made his rounds yet? 

Lucy, 
Here he passed on the other side five minutes ago. He has 
nothing for us to-night, (Elsie sighs, apparently about to 
withdraw., ) Don't go back and mope b;'- yourself, dear, come out 
here, X need your comfort. 

Elsie e 



Lucy, 

We have quarreled again. 

Elsie, 



What is it, Lucy? 

That dreadful Raynor Shine, 

What was it this time? 

Lucy , 
What is it all the tiios? He treats me like a child. I know he 
can do things and will do things, but he don't seem to admit 
me into his confidence or ask my advice. All he seems to want 
to do is to hold ray hand and look mushy.. Our meetings are 
conducted onthe silent system, and I always seem to know just 
what he's going to say before he says it, I want surprises 
in my life, excitement, sensation, 

Elsie. 
Ah Lucy, can't you see he is your devoted slave, he worships 
you. 



2 "IT.. 

Lucyo. 
It's easy for you to talk, you have "been out in the world, 
liYing with the Louderhacks, while I've been here like a "b:!]!!? 
on a logc You have seen life and have met all sorts of men. 

Elsie- 
And my experience makes me esteem the honesty and virtues 
all the more of a man like Ra3mor Shine . 

Lucy. 
But he is prematurely fossilized. Oh Elsie, father must have heen 
just such another at his age. Wouldn't it he dreaful if 
Ra:mor with his stiidies became a scientific crank and gew old 
like father? 

Elsie . 
T^or shame, Lucy.. / 

Lucy 
Oh, father* is the best of fathefs, he*s a grand old man, but 
I \7ouldn't like his kind of a hi^band. 

Elsieo 
Has Raynor asked you to be his wife? 

Lucy* 
He takds it for granted, he assumes it as all settled^ He is 
bland and child like in his perfect confidence ~ ugh, the 
idiot o 

Elsie* 
Let me give you a piece of advice.- Be his wife, Lucy, and 
thank God with all your heart for giving you a man who loves 
you so that he becames as a fool in his presence- His mute 
adoration conceals no deception, while burning protestations of 
affection, oaths of fidelity and caresses often mask a heart 
that has grown indifferent, a passion that has grown cold. 

Lucy« 
Elsie, I never heard you speak like that. What do you know 
of these things? 

Elsie. 
I know that perfect loveis perfect trust, and perfect trust 
is a dream of contented happiness, but when the demon of doubt 
rouses us from the dream, the awakening is most bitter ., 

Lucy.. 
You frighten me Elsie* What has happened to you, dear - tell 
me, your sister, won^t you? 

Elsie.<r 
I have nothing to tell* 

Lucy. 
You have been away from the Louderbackstwo weeks now. When do 
you intend to return? 

Elsie. 
I do not intend to return. 

Why not? 

Don,t ask me, Luc^''^ 

Lucyo 
But I have a right to know. Old Lol^derback is a bear but llrs.. 
Louderback thought all the world of you. I can't understand 
why 3'-ou have refused to see her, she's been here a half dozen 
times and I have blushed and stammered and - she must have 
known I was lying v/hen I made excuses and wouldn't let her in, 
and Eather too - he - 

Joe o 
(Outside*) Gome in, Ra^'-, come in. Never nind about the girl^ - 
you won't have to meet either of them if you don»tw want to. 



Lucy* 
Elsie 



I knov/ how you feel about Lucy, her head is filled with saw- 
dust - yes, not an idea above her pots and pans. (Shows himself 
on door upper L„ turning baclc ) I couldn't nake her understand 
even Poggendorf's theory of transition resistance. Come on, 
if she annoys us, we'll go into the laboratory and bar her out- 
(Reaches out, takes Ray by arm, drags him on, they come 
down stage together.) How are you, Lucy dear? I was just 
speaking of youo What, Elsie - you up? You, re feeling well 
again, eh? Well, I'm glad. I've brought Mr. Shine in with me, 
we are going to try a few experiment s« He»s been giving me an 
av/ful talking to. He*s been scolding me as I deserve. "What do 
you think he said^'' Said I was a fool - yes he did. But I am 
not going to be a fool any longer. I'm going to make me a big 
fortune , my dear, a big fortune for you and Lucy, Now tell 
me, what would you like me to buy you when you are rich? 

Ulsie. 
Oh, I don't know* What wo uld you like to buy yourself? 

Joe o 
I would like to buy everything that is beautiful - a beautiful 
house, bsautiful dresses for you to wear, silk and embroidery, 
satin and laces and furs and cambrics, soft and white - white 
like yoiir soul, my Elsie. When we are rich, you must wear 
nothing but white. 

Elsie « 
Yes but father, what will you buy for yourself? 

Joe. 
Oh, donit bother about me. I shall spend it all on you and 
Lucy. You shall have everything your hearts desire - a new 
home, to begin with. 

Joe. 
With a corner in it for me, unless perhaps, who knows? You 
may Y/ant your new home with somebody else. 

Elsie. 
Oh no, no. 

Joe . 
Don't you be too sure of that, some fine fellow will come 
along, and take ksK you away, 

Elsie c 
Oh no, no, that is quite impossible. (Bus. during this scene, 
Lucy and Ray have been conversing at back, she points te her 
head as if accusing him of what her father had charged in 
regard to what it is stuffed with, he acts in a deprecatory 
manner, she lays down the law and snatches a newspaper from 
his hand which he carries folded up, he endeavors to regain it) 

Lucy. 
You are simply impossible, you are not entertaining, I am going 



Ray, 



to reado 

I 7/ish you wouldn't. 

Lucy. 
I will, go to the laboratory with father. 

Joe . 
Yes, coiue with me, Ray. Oh, by the way, I just passed old 
iJlarkhamo He seems quite aged and broken since his daughter went 
a^way-o I dontt v/onder at it« I would have died if I had been in 
his face. 

P Luc jr. 
Poor Elsie lilarkham, she carried her secret to the ^ave. 

Joe • 
It is a mercy that her shame is hidden there, and yet, who knows- 
why should I say that? Who knows the tnith about her? Who knows? 
But what the villain who tempted her, is all, all to blame. 
(Musingly'-*) And her name was Elsie too. 



4-N„ 

Elsie . 
Yes, her nairs v/as Elsie too. 

Joco 
But hov; different from my Elsie. (Noticing that Elsie is in 
tears o) Here, here - come, this v;on»t do, this won't do^: ¥e 
won't grieve about the creature, she must have "been a worthless 
thing to iTH-ke her father a jeer and scorn amonfe his neighbors, 
to how his head in shame and break his heart. Oh by the way, 
dear, do you know why Ray here gave me fits just now? I was 
just telling him about CurdlOc Elsie, do you know Curdle is a 
traitor to the firm? He made me a most insulting proposition, 
didn' t he , Ray? 

Ray. 
He did indeed. The amount he offered was most insulting. 

Joe » 
Oh, I'm not speaking of the amount. 

Ray. 
I am -- to give him the entire option on your possiHe patents 
for the next five years for any such money - I regard as the 
gravest kind of insult to your human intelligence* 

Joe» 
Ray said he v/as a common "mucker"^. 

Ray. 
■Worse than thato 

Joe« 
I told him lir» Louderback had always been a good boss to me, had 
most always advanced me money to carry on my experiments, and I 
think I ought to give him the first chance^ 

Ray, 
(Hotly.) You ought to give him a rope and tell him to go hang 
himself - damn him. 

Luqy. 
(Looking up from paper^ ) "What's this? What's this? Raynor Shine, 
I am surprised- 

Ray, - 
I beg pardon ladies, for my vigorous language. 

Ijucy-f, 
Don it - don't weaken, I beg - go on - I rather like this side 
of your character. You are not as much of a "jelly fish" as I 
supposed, 

Elsie, 
(Reprovingly?) l>\xcy' , 

Ray. 
Heaven knows I don»t approve of Curdle or any of his kind - J 
detest treachery in any form. Louderback is entitled to fair 
play, but T/ir,, Gurney owes it to himself and to you girls that 
he receive a fair price for his work. But for his genius, the 
Radio Dynamic Go, would not exist as sit does to-day. Its stock 
has mounted into millions, all right - very good. Your father 
made a contract, accepted a price, was satisfied at the time - 
a legitimate transaction. He has no right to go behind the 
returns or complain. 

Joe 
I don'' n complain, I have never complained. 

Ray. 
lut the fiiture is another thing, Dontt mortgage that for a 
song Get the worth of your work, that's what I mean. Share in 
the prosperity, the wealth you will help others to acquire. Don't 
be bamboozled, doni't be buncoed. They'll hand it to you if they 
can, they'll ovm you body and soul, a slaving drudge whose very 
heart blood they v/ill coin drop by drop into dollars and laugh 
to themselves to think how easy you are. 



5 -IT, 

Joe » 
But I feel kindly tovirard. Louderback - for his son's sake, if 
not for his own. Juat think how that "boy caine to my help when j 
got mixed upu? with the comet's tail. He*s a fine fellow, is 
■Melsono. 

Lucy, 
Well, what da you think of that? (Shaking newspaper.) Talk of 

the d here * s his name in the paper . V/hat do you thixik he ' s 

heen doing? 

Ray „ 
(whispers to her.) Don't tell it, novr - donTt. Bon'^t. 

Lucy » 
(Blurting out.) Why not? Why shouldn^t I tell it? It's an 
important event. 

Joe. 
Y/hat is it, Lucy? 

Lucy. 
ttC ' s heen getting married. 

Joe a 

liarried? Well - vfell - well - how did it happen? 

llucy. 
(Readsing.) Special from Washington. "Runaway match - Dulcie, 
the "beautiful daughter of Senator Sorghum gave Washington 
society a shock yesterday by eloping with Lieutenant nelson 
Louderbacko They mere married in Baltimore. The Lieutenant who 
is the only son and heir of Walter Louderback, the noted 
millionaire of Philaopolis, has been ordered to the department 
of the Philippines. It is not known whether his bride will 
accompany him. Senator Sorghiom refused to be interviwed last 
night . " 

Joe, 
Well, well, well, we all wish hin joy. Let me see the paper. 

Rajr, 
(Hasgone over to Elsie, whispers.) Courage: Coverage: The report 
may be false . 

Elsie. 
Why do you say that? 

Rayo 
Because I knov/ my man, I have faith in my friend and I can't - 
I wonit believe him to be a blackguard and a liar. 

Joe. 
(Laying down newspaper.) We must write a letter of congratulation 
to Nelson. That is, you shall write it, Elsie, in all our names. 
Here I am gossipping and idling about as if I-'hadrnt anything 
to do o I must get down to practical things. Louderback is 
alv/aj^s after me about that perfect insulation. I wonder if it ±s 
wi^l ever be discovered in our timeo Come on, Ray. 

Lucy. 
Presently, father* Ihave use for I/ir.. Shine here. 

Joe . 
Eh? (At door . ) 

Lucy. 
Yi^e haven't had any supper yet. 

Joe , 
That's a fact. Do you knovi, that reminds me I didndt eat any- 
thing since breakfasts 

Lucy» 
Y/hat? And I f ized such a nice Ixxnch for you to take to the 
works with jrou, 

Joe . 
I'm afraid I was laaBy and forgot all about it, Lucy, I'm 
sorry.. I '11 try and remember it to-morrow. 



6 -No- 
Ray. 

What can I do for you, Miss Lucy? 

Luc3'" . 
You expect to stay to supper, don't you? 

Rayo 
If you ask me to stay, why - I'll - 

Luc3'' c 

Ye s ? ( Inquir ingly . ) 

Ray^ 
I'll stay to ohlige you... 

Lucy , 
And if I don.t ask you to stay? 

Ray. 
I'll stay to spite you, 

Lucy*. 
Will you saw and split some wood^ 

Ray. 
1^11 saw wood and say nothing. 

Lucy* 
I don.t keep a fire in the range this weather.. Wait - let me 
give you the axe« 

Ray.. 
What - do you keep the axe in the sitting room? 

Lucy? 
Yes there's no lock on the wood ©he.d and they stole the old 
one'. Be sure and "bring it hack after you have finished^ (Goes 
to cuphoard at hack, produces axe, gives it to him, she exits L 

Joe o 
After you get through, come into the l^ahoratory, Ray, I'll 
show you something interesting. (Exits R<) 

Ray... 
(Goes over to Elsie who is on sofa L. ) Don't give way, Elsie, 
don.t give way. Why, I tell you that paper is as yellow as 
they make them. Tell eb , what did Nelse say in his last letter 

to you? 

Elsie. 

He hasn't sent me a line since he went away, 

Ray. 
Why not say you haven, t received a line? Didmt he know you ■. 
purposed returning to your father's home? 

Elsie. 
No, he hegged me to remain with his mother. 

Ray. 
He may have written to remain with his mother. He may have 
written to the Louderhack house and his letters have heen 
suppressed. 

Elsie. 
Qh, Mr. Louderhack would never do that, that would he dishonest. 

Ray, 
Yes. it would he dishonest, hut - well, no matter. And you 
have had no letteij-St all, in the last two weeks? 

Elsie . 
Ho, not from anyone I know* I have had a dozen anonymous 
ones, cowardly in their attacks, concerning my relations with 

•{.jel se « 

Ray » 
Anonymous, eh? The- hounds* 

Elsie. 
They have nearly driven me mad. I have not dared to tell father 
The implied disgrace would m^e him frantic. Evil tongues have 
heen busy, too. I find myself coldly greea-feed on every hand. 



Ray,. 
Your iraaginationo 

Elsie c 
Oh no , I am not the kind to imagine slights where none is 
intended* I waited patiently for some v/ord from Tielson to 
comfort me, and to-day I read that he is lost to me forever. 
Mr, Shine, I must go away from Mere at once - I must, for 
father and sister's sake, if not for my own.. (Knock on door 
L.UoEo) l^ho .is that, I wonder? (Ray goes up and opens door) 

Louderback* 
(Enters L.UoE.) Kiss Gurney: 

El si Bo 
Mr. Louderhack - you wish to see my father? 

Louder "back. 
Ch no, I see enough of him a,t the works. Hy visit this 
afternoon is to you, if '^ if - (Looking at Ray».t 

Ray» 
Certainly, I have some wood to split „ (Exits with a:se Lo) 

Louderhacko. 
(Takes seat a) Yes, I wanted a word or two with you, Miss 
Gurneyo I thought it hetter to speak with you, here » Of coursej 
Tinder the circumstances, your return to your position in my 
house is impossihle- 

Elsie - 
Quite impossible, sir.,, 

Louderhack* 
I have tried to oake my wife understand it without telling her 
the whole facts « 

Elsie* 
What facts, sir? 

Louderhack, 
Are you going to force me to he "brutally frank. Do you know thd; 
your conduct with my son is a matter of town talk? I am sorry 
that Nelse has been so reckLesf, because when a girl loses her 
good name, she loses her dearest possession* 

Elsie,. 
And you mean that I have lost mine, ii\r c. Louderback? 

Louderbacko 
The knowledge has only come to me of lateo A father, it seems, 
is always the last to hear these things o Gossip has heen very 
busy, it appears o Mind, I donst believe all I have heard, I 
onl^'- think you have been a trifle indiscreet, but slander is 
naturally voracious and eagerly snaps e-very unsavory morsel 
an it can, and then gorges itself c 

Elsie „ 
Donit endeavor to get picturesque, ^ro Louderbacko "What is the 
object of your visit to me? 

Louderbacko 
To advise you^ 

Elsie » 
Then come down to facts. "What is your advice? 

Louderback, 
That you should leave here at onceo You have read the evening 
paper, you have seen the annovincement of ITelse's marriage » Do 
you want to remain and brazen out your - to put it mildly, 
your ambiguous position. You will be the laughing stock of every- 
one, you v;ill be regarded as my son's "light of love" whom he has 
abandonedo^ You will bring disgrace to your father's house, you 
will, bring ruin and poverty to your father, for I will no 
longer retain him in his position if you remaino If you are 
absent for a time, the affair will blov/ over« I will provide 
for your expenses elsewhere until you can ^t employment - 
here, let me give you some money now. (Producing bills) 



Slsie 



Elsie = 
Don,t insult me with that, I v/ouldn't take a penny of your 
moneyp 

Louderhacko- 
Ah^i then you are determined to remain? 

Elsie ^ 
No J I am going avj-ay. 

Louderbacko 
Ah, I am glad you see the wisdom of what I sayo 

Elsie , 
What you say has had nothing to do with my determination* My 
mind vvas made up before you intruded here <• 

Louderbacko 
Ahem: (Coughs <,) Well, where do you purpose going? 

Elsie p 
That is my own affair. It cannot possibly concern you or yours© 

Elsie, 
."When do you go? 

Immediately^ 

Louderbacko 
What explanation will you make to. your father? 

Els is., 
(Overcons? with emotion« ) My father - my dear,, good kind father» 
I " I will send him a message begging him to withohold his 
judgement, all censure of me, until. Heaven in its msrcy shall 
temper this trial to us both, and time shall remove all blot 
from his -daughter's name, (Pause ») You have fulfilled your 
mission, jifTo Louderback, now I will beg you to leave me^ 

Louderbacko 
I presume I iray rely on your not mentioning my son's name to 
him, 

Elsie. 
Do you think it possible that I could? 

Louderbacko 
You are a very foolish girl not to I'oai^e some money from me. 
You would make my conscience feel much easier.- However; I wish 
you luck. If you should fall into straits and need anything, 
you can write me,. (Pause ~ exits L, at back,) 

Elsie, 
My father's words about Elsie Markham ^ "It would have killed 
me if it had been my daughter » It's a mercy _ that her shame 
was hidden in the grave," I must go away - i must disappear - 
at once ~ at once, Lucy shall bear my message to my farther, 
I da.re not trust myself to say farewell to him, God bless 
you, father, God bless, you, Ijlay he in his justice set all 
right and bring us together soon, never to be separated again- 
never again, (Exits L»2oE,) (Re-enter Ray v/ith axe L=U,Eo 
followed bj'- Louderback,) I will prove the truth of what i say, 

Louderback, 
But sir— . " - 

Ray, 
(Lays down axe against cup board door,) Hush; Stop - look - 
listen, (Goes to v/indow at bssck, opens it suddenly, discloses 
Curdle behind it,) Beiiold your rubber necked superintendent „ 
You slimy, hypocritical, canting, me as ley mutt., come in - 
come in. We T/ant to liear you lie out of this.. (Drags him 
tlirough the window on to the stage =) 

Curdle , 
Sir, this violence and these vu.lga,r epithets you apuly to me- 

Ray. 
They're nothing to v/hat's com:Lng to you. 



Curdle « 
I.ir. Louderback, v/ill you uphold this ruffian? You knovr my 
sensatiYe and delicate nature, it feels acutely the stab of 
every one of his cruel and brutal v/ordSx. 

Louderback, 
Were you eavesdropping, Curdle? 

Curdle ^ 
ITo sir - that is, not intent ionally^. I happened at the 
window by accident, and — 

Stayed there some fifteen minutes » 

Louderback, 
Curdle! (Severely. ) What I want you to know I will tell you, but 
if I discover that you are attempting to learn a,ught.of my 
affairs, v/hich I wish kept secret - I will crush you as i would 
crush anyone -ml ike an egg shell?. 

Curdl©o 
Your crushing days are pretty nearly over , _Louderbacko Don*t 
threaten me and don't try to frighten me » i-'ve got your number 
and you are pretty nearly a dead oneo 

Louderback? 
What's this? What's this? Ourdle, you are discharge do 

Curdle o 
My resignation is already in your off ice^ I have disposed of the 
stock I held in the Radio Dynamic company, and I am through 
with it and you, Uo one knows better than I that your firm is 
on its last legs. You canH bully me any more.. You've done it 
for years DolD.ar for dollar, I think I can show more real money 
now than you cano 

Louderback i, 
Why, I am. paralyzed, I never knew this miserable object to use 
such words before o He must have gone insane- ^JThat can it mean? 

Ray, 
It means that rats desert a sinking ship -• you are the ship 
and Curdle here is a rat -- which of course goes without saying, 

Louderback o- 
Curdle, I will drive you out of PhilaopoliSa 

Curdle c 
LoToderbackj you will do nothing of the kind^ There has been a 
ndw company fomed of which I am to be th_e superintendent. We 
are going to compete with you and fight you. tooth and nailo 
It's v/ar between us ^^^ war -" v/ar, 

Ray. 
When thieves fall out, honest men get their dues^ I suppose _ 
both of you gentlemen will bid for Joe Gurneyo 

Louderback and Curdle « 
Joe Gurneyl 

Lucy<, 
father: Father: Come out " coeb out -• (Beats on door Re) Come 
out for mercy's sake o 

Joe^i 
(Enteringo ) What is it - Lucy? 

Luc3'-t 
Elsie has gone* 

Joe » 
Gone? I don't understand o Gone? Why, she was here a short 
while agOo Where has she gone? 

Lucy , 
She would not so.y -• she has left our home •• left you, fa.ther and. 
me, she's gone away from this wicked town with its cruel lies 
and slander » 



Joe » 
Slanders - about my Elsie? One of God's angelsl Why, VYho v/oiild 
dare Toreathe one -v^ord against her? Tell me who it is, and old 
as I am, I vvouid strangle him with my own hands. 

Curdle » 
YUu can't fight the whole city^. Your daughter's name has been 
coupled with a man who is of proud and honored position, hut 
bjr the blood of inheritance and by his own nature, is a 
scoixndrel^ 

Ray* 
Cuj"dle, you are a damned liar. 

Joe, 
Who is the man " his naiae - vfho is he? 

Curdle . 
His father stands there, (Points to Louderback,) It is his 
son, Nelson who has taken advantage of your daughter's position 
in this Louderback home to drag her name into the mire. Let 
him deny it if he can. 

Louderback* 
Gurney, I am very sorry " deeply sorry - 

Joe« 
Then it*s true? And you kept it back from me. 

Louderback^ 
Gurney, I never realized how things were going until g two 
weeks ago, and then I hurried nelson away» 

Joe^ 
You knew, and you hurried him away* Ah, you wanted to save him 
from my revenge - you I You J - 

Curdle . 
Go on, Joe, don't spare him,. You made him rich and now his son 
robs you of your flesh and blood. 

Joe* 
Two v/eeks ago, that was the day he gave. me the money. Ah: 
(Shrieks,) His moneyl The price of my child - the innocence 
of my childl Oh Elsie, Elsie - oh that I had died rather than 
this " my girl, my darling! (Breaking down.) 

Louderback. 
Come, come, Gurney, don't give way like this. I will see v/hat 
I can do<. 

Joe o 
^at can you do? What can that spawh of the devil v/hom you 
call son do? I see that he has taken him a wife. A wife I 
(Grabbing up newspaper.) And my poor child, she is gone - an 
outcast from her father's care - a ?;anderer, no one knows 
Y\rhere. I only want her back - I wouldn't care if she had sinned 
again and again, I only want to hold her next my heart and say - 
"Rest here on your father's breast - he lovss you and Virill 
protect you against the whole world. Innocent or guilty, he 
loves you." Help me to get her back - help me, I say. 

Louderback . 
I wish I could " but I am powerless. 

Curdle, 
HonH believe it, Joe, he soaxed her to leave, offered her 
money to go. I overheard him - I_ will have search HB.de for her, 
loe . 

Joe c 
(Hysterically.) Whoever restores my child to me, I'll work for 
the rest of my life. I will starve - I will slave my fingers to 
the bone - every inspiration of my brain, every hour of my 
days shall be his. 

Ray.- 
Courage, Joe -couragei She will return, I am. si^re - but in 
the meantime, trust neither of these men. 



11-H. 

Joe . 
(Kneeling.) Oh hear, hear - thou who holdest the scales of 
justice in thy hands. Judge "between those vrho have injured my 
poor child and me - a balance - a balance 1 liay they staffer as 
they are making roe suffer. Give me the power to wring their 
hearts with sorrov; as they hare wrung mine* 

Louderback. 
I will make atonement, Joe. You shall be advanced, but I 
can't do the impossible. I can't undo nelson's marriage v/ith 
the Senator's daughter ► You read the dispatch from Washington* 

Ray. 
A fake I 

Louderback* 
Eh? What? 

Ray. 
A bare faced fake inspired by you and slipped into the columns 
of that paper because of your pull. It is part of your clumsy 
scheme to v/in your point-. 

Louderback. 
I'll make you prove your charge* (Nelson Louderback enters 
L.U.E.) 

Ra3'-« 
My proof is here, yoiir son himself who will denounce the lie* 

Joe . 
He.' He here! God has delivered him into my hands that I may 
take my revenge! (Grabs axe and rushes on Helson.) 

Lucy*. 
(Clinging to him.) Father: ^Father : 

Ray. 
(Struggles with Joe, disarms him.) Joe - Joei Stop - stop! What 
^ou would do is a crime I 

Joe. 
It is an act of justice.- 

Uelson. 
What does this mean? 

Ray. 
It means that you have vil4.y slandered ITelson, by one who 
ought to hold your honor dear and it's up to you to nail the 
lie. Lid you marry Senator Sorghum^s dagghter? 

Nelson. 
No, that dispathh was false, it wronged the lady and myself. 
There is but one woman I love, and that is Elsie Qurney, and 
I'll marry her or stay forever single. Where is she? Where is 
Elsie? 

Joe. 
Gone - gone - gone! 

Nelson. 
Gone? Gone where? 

Lucy. 
She left by the east bound train half an hour ago. She would 
not say where she was going. 

Nelson* 
But why - why did she leave? 

Lucy. 
She was distracted by the cruel slanders and wanted to spare 
I'ather and myself the feproach of her presence ^^ the shame - 

Nelson. 
Reproach? Shame? Elsie, my Elsie, as pure as an angel - why, v;ho 
would dare breathe a word against her? Ah: (To Louderback.) 
This is your work. You have proved traitor to our compact. In 
your thirst for power you would trample on the noblest feelings. 
You would break the heart of the girl I love, and make her a 
homeless wanderer among strangers - you would plunge her father 



12-IT. 

and fainily into misery and shaxae, and you would provoke rae, 
yo-ur son, to forget all filial dut;'-, to renounce you forever 
and pray to the eternal God that m I may never loolc upon your 
face again. IJPause.) "The East bound train" you said, Lucy? 
Comfort your father - I will follow, I will find Elsie and bring 
her back to you. 

Louderback. 
But your orders for the Philippines, your duty to the govern- 
ment? 

ITelson. 
!'3^ duty to huaanity, my respect for ny own manhood calls me 
now. They overv;eigh everything else. Now to find v/hat ticket 
Elsie bought for the east bound train. 

Mrs. Louderback » 
(Enters hurriedly L.UoE.) Walter - Walter - are you here? The 
T;hole tovm is in an up roar, a terrible accident has occured. 
They are searching everj^where for you. (Murmxars outside.) 

Louderback. 
Accident? ''i^^ere - at the works? 

$«rs. Louderback. 
i^To, at the railroad bridge, through a mistake the drav; was 
opened and the east bound train which left here a little while 
ago plunged into the river. They fear not a passenger escaped. 
(Cry of horror from everyone,) Come waiter - come, 

Louderback, 
^hy, what can I do? 

Joe. 
Aye, murderer, what can you do? Oh God of Justice, hear my 
prayer against this man who bears the blood guilt of my 
innocent child upon his wiclJBd soul. I have made him rich and 
proud - let me make him poor and despised. He has mocked 
my tears - let me be as stone to him - may his own flesh 
and blood repay the wrongs he has inflicted on min©. 
liay I have him groveling in the dust before me with my heel - 
his master's heel, upon his neck, and when he ends his shame- 
ful life, of baffled greed, of misery, of pain, let him then 
pass on to the everlasting fires of Hell - of Hell. (Sobbing 
and trembling violently, falling back in chair, Lucy and Ray 
supporting him, Curdle is in window, Louderback down L. 
TTelson in door, Iirs. Lox;iderback L,C.) 



CURTAIN. 

■fTll M fl 11 II II 



X Curdle. 

X Nelson. 
X Lucy. 
X Joe . 

X Ray . X I'Ar s . L , 



X Louderback. 



ooooOOOOoooo 



-1-p. 



ACT III 



Same as Act 2. 

Six months later. But the setting is hare and forlorn. The 
cosy furniture, piano, and pictures gone. Books out of the case ^ 
general appearance of poverty. At the back of s..age covering window 
is a long table or stand which has a v/hite enameled back to it, rep- 
resenting marble. In C, is a large electric globe, onsides of same 
are a number of coils of wire suspended, three of them arranged with 
fuses to blow out on cues, giving idea of over load. On the R. of 
stand is large switch, on L. of backing is a sector dial numbered up 
to ten thousand, dial should be large, and hand on same iw sorked 
behind marble backing by hand on cues. At side of table on floor 
or in slightly raised platforii is a motor which can be wired up so as 
to run when switch is thrown in. (This is supposed to be a Booster 
to raise voltage of current which then goes to sample coils in switch 
board and through fuses which ^^!f~~^~^^ ^^^"^ ^^'^' ^^^® ^* 



top marked A at head of dial 
which is switched to socket 
to be 
tested. 




terminates in plug 

at head ' of each sample 



ACT III. 

(At rise, Joe discovered at stand at back "busying himself 
among the apparatiis, pause - he turns to corae dovm to tahle 
on the L. picks up several soils of insulated wires in 
succession. He is gaunt and vfild ej'-ed. ) 

Joe . 
Useless, useless. Nothing like mica in insulating resistance and 
dielectric strength, and hov; many times mica has failed me. 
Fibre treated v;ith shellac- (Bends it.) Ah: Crack: There you 
go - vulcabeston - nothing nev; about thato I - I won't give up, 
though, I won»t - I won't. (Lucy enters L.U.Eo she carries a 
basket.) Well, well, what did the;'- say? 

Lucy. 
Itj^s no use, father, they are all alike. They'll trust us no 
fsLther. We have to go supperless to bed. 

Joe. 
Supperless to bed? What are you talking about, Lucy? 

Lucy. 
Why, the butcher and the groceryman and the baker, they won't 
give us a cent's Y/orth of credit. 

Joe . 
Never mind about them ~ I am not interested in mere food. What 
did they say at the power house - the light company? 

Luc;'-. 
Oh, they are about sending up a man to cut the conrr.ection, 

Joe « 
What - to-night? 

Lucy* 
Of course. 

Joe o 
Did you tell them how near to cussess I was? 

Lucy .. 
Yes. 

Joe , 
And they — 

Lucy. 
They laughed at me and said you were insane. . 

Joe . 
Go again- take no denial,. I must use their pov/er to-night. If 
they take it away, my labor of v/eeks will be lost. Go, my 
child, go - go. 

Lucy. 
Poor father: Wouldn't be better for you to give it up? 

Joe . 
Give it up? Lucy, have you forgotten your sister? 

Lucy. 
Forget Elsie? No. But let me tell you. father, if Elsie were alive 
and with us to-day, and saw you undergoing privation, suffering, 
and looking as you are, she v/ould advise you as I do. 

Joe ' 
If she vTere alive, but she is not ^ Her murdered body is hidden 
by yonder river - but the people who sent her to her death, they 
still live - father and son - the;'- live, and I will live also 
to piwiish them. Where is Rayncr? 

Lucy. 
He is asleep, father. 

Joe ' 
4sleep? Oh yes, yes, I forgot - he must be tired, 

Lucy. 
He has had no sleep for two nights, father, nor have you. You 
ought to try and get some rest. 

Joe . 
I want no sleep. I'll take no r est until my work is done* 



3-N, 

Lucy. 
You can»t keep this up forever. 

Joe. 
I'll keep it up long enough - long enough. 

Lucy. 
But suppose that you should "break dovm - should die. 

Joe , 
I can ' t take the time to die until my work is done , But that 
electric light company - they must not shut me off to-night. 
To-night I may discover what will hring millions - millions. 
Rouse up Raynor, dear, rouse him up. We must wSirk - v/e must 
workl 

Lucy. 
Poor father, is he mad as all the people say? (Exits R.) 
(Joe busies himself at stand at hack.; 

Joe, 
(Looki'hg at coil of wire.) It v,'ould "be strange if Raynor 's 
theory is right, and this gum from the Philippines should he what 
I have longed for for years. It admits of all sorts of mechanical 
manipulation - unhurnahle as asbestos, impervious to v/ater. 
Its dielectric strength and insulating resistance we must 
prove* 

Curdle . 
(Enters L.U.E.) Ahem: 

Joe . 
(Startled, throws oijver over apparatus on stand.) Eh - T/fr. 
Curdle. 

Curdle . 
Yes, good evening, Joe. Don*t be alarmed, this is only a 
friendly call^ I'm not here to try and steal any of your 
secrets. Ahem: (Coughs.) Well, how goes the good v/ork? Have you 
made any new discoveries? How are your experiments getting on? 

Joe . 
Verj'- promisingly, liir . Curdle, promisingly, sir. 

Curdle* 
I have heard you say that same thing for twenty years, Joe, 
but soroehov; or other you donH seem to get there - that is - 
you don't get there for yourself, so to speak. You are one of 
those clever men, Joe, who do your best work when laboring for 
somebodj'- else . 

Joe . 
I wa s one of those men, sir, but I am working now for myself. 

Curdle - 
Ahem: I mgrself have never lost faith in you, Joe, I have 
always been yoiAT friend.. (Ingratiatingly.) I call myself now - 
the best friend you have in Philaopolis. 

Joe. 
Do you? 

Curdle. 
I do, Joe, and I can prove it. 

Joe- 
You can indeed, and right at this present moment. 

Curdle. 
(Warmly. ) How, Joe, Jiow? 

Joe . 
Lend me twenty dollars. 

Curdle . 
Ahem: (Coughs.) My friendship cannot be measured by the dollar 
standard, Joe. It is something beyond mere dirty money. I 
shouldn't like to put you under any obligation of that kind, 
Joe . 



' Joe - 

I wouldn't mind the olDligation a bit^ 

Curdle . 
You knov/ it is against nj principles to lend anyone money,, 
You always lose a man's friendship when you lend him money, 

Joe „ 
r assure you I couldn't feel less friendly to you than I do , if 
you loaned ice twenty.. 

Curdle o 
Ahem - I might advance you twenty - on condition - 

Joe . 
On condition of what? 

Curdleo 
If you discover the perfect insulation, I would have the 
option of buying your patent for say - a thousand dollars. 

Joe . 
No, no, I'll sell no more of my patents^ 

Curdleo 
You're a good fellow, Joe, and I wnly want to do you a good 
turn. I know you are very hard up^ 

Joe • 
(Looks at his ragged clothes and the "barely fi;irnished room) 
Ho'.v did you ever find it out? Do yo\^ think we show it? 

Curdle., 
llo-.r, I wouldn't mind a dvancin g you a hundred dollars, if we 
can come to some arrangement. 

Joe, 
The only arrangements we could make would be for you to find 
capital to push my discovery and be satisfied with a fair return 
on the investment 

Curdle, 
Preposterous l Where would I come in on such a deal? 

Joe o 
I would give you a salary as manager of my v;orks- 

Curdle . 
Thank you - that is hardly enough. You seem to forget that I 
was managers for Louderback, and I threw that, and am manager 
for the present company with which I am connected. 

Joeo 
Yes, I knov/, "You are one of those clever men. Curdle, viiio 
do your best v\rork when laboring for someone else. 

Curdle. 
(Coughs, pause,) What is the matter with us making a deal to 
work togetlBr? Partners, so to speak. 

Joe . 
Wo, I have a partner already -^don*t want any more. The best I 
can do for you is manager, you* ought to consider it. If I 
succeed, your company will bust and yov. will be out of a job. 

Curdle . 
Why, who is your partner, Joe? 

Joe, 
Ivir, Raynor Shine? 

Curdle. 
What capital has he to put into any of your sche.ies? 

Joe 6 
Brains, honesty, hard work and every dollar he can scrape 
together* 

Curdle . 
He can't scrape much, I guess o And it takes lots of push and 
money to boom any invention. I @ade a great man of Louderback, 
and I could make a great man of yo;i if you discovered anything 
tangible . 



5~So 

Joe „ 
How alDOUt that tv/enty? I need it. 

Curdle c 
For food, Joe? 

Joe .. 
Food I What an ideal "''Thy, I live on the fat of the land, tehicken 
every day and turkey on Sundays. You ought to have seen the 
dinner I had to-day. IIo, I want the twenty to stave off that 
Light Company. I am using their power in my experiments o 

Curdle o 
Yes, I knovy, I am interested there-> You owe them a hill, and they 
asked me if I thought you Y/ere good for it, 

Joe c , 

Of course you can tell them yes- 

Cui-dle-o 
(Reprovingly.) I am a truthfxil man, Joe. 

Joe ,. 
Oh yes, I'm always forgetting that= Well, come again, some- 
time when I'm not so "busy, (Knock on door LoU<,EoT Come in. 
(Louderhack enters L..U.E.) 

Louderhacko. 
(Seeing Cur die « ) Curdle'. 

Curdle .. 
(Aside o) Louderhack : Ahem: Joe, not a word to him ahout our 
little affair. 

Joe^' 
I don't Yra,nt any v/ords v/ith him ahout any affair- 
Curdle « 
Give my very test respects to your sweet daughter. Miss .Lucy.. 
I regret not having seen her. Good evening, Joe. (Passes 
Eouderhack with supercilious air. ) 

Louderhack, 
(In low toneO Viper i 

Curdle . 
You pauperized, plundering plutocrat, you pilfering poliiician, 
don't dare address me. CExits L«U.E= ) 

Louderhack^ 
Gurney, I am here to show you I don't hear any malice for 
your words to me, or for the fact that jou. left my employ. I hear 
you've got into very low water, and I've come to offer to take 
you back. 

Joe<; 
I am in low water, Louder hack, hut I could never get so low as 
to work for you., 

Louderhack. 
Let hy-gones h^ hy-gones, Gurney. You must realize now that it 
was niadness for you to leave me after having heen so faithful for 
so roany years, 

Joe c 
Oh, you acknowledge I served you faithfully, eh? 

Louderhack, 
I never said anything else, Now I am willing to sign a 
contract v/ith you at double your former salary, and for a 
period of say five years, on condition that any little trifle 
you may discover in that time may belong to me. You see I 
am generous, Gurney.. 

Joe . 
TcSW are more than generous, you are reckless in your extravagance 
to the point of madness. 

Louderhack. 
Well, what do you say? 

Joe? 
Consult your family physician at once. Pareris is most insidious,. 
The impulse to squander money by one who has heen accustomed to 
grip a dollar till the eagle screamed, ah, that is a had symptono 



Loudertackc 
I never knew you to indulge in vulgar jokes "bef ore o YoiAr levity 
doesn't accord with your deplorable condition, and ill laecaaes 
you, considering the misfortunes that have come upon you. 
(Severely.) Don't you feel your daughter's death at all nov/? 

Joe . 
I am not shedding tears. My heart as dry and so are my eyes. I 
haven't time - I am engaged in my T/ork« Y/hen that is done I 
shall rememher that she is dead, and I'll send for you. 
(Enter Lucyo) Did you nonse him, Lucy? 

Lucy . 
Yes, he'll "be right out. 

Joe . 
Did you tell him about the Electric Light Company? 

Lucy 
YeSo 

Joe . 
That they refuse to trust us further? 

Lucy . 
Yes, that everyone refuses to trust us fiirther. 

Joe . 
What did he say? 

Lucy. 
He's like you, father, he says "HiTe'll go on with the work." 
Go to him - he wants to see you. 

Joe. 
Yes, yes, (Exits R. ) 

Louderhack . 
(Aside.) I'll talk to that girl* If he should chance to make 
the discovery, I mustn't let it fall into the hands of anyone 
else" Lucy, I just now begged your father to forget the past 
and return to vrork for me, and if he will do so, I will 
double his former salary* 

Lucy.. 
That sounds kind in you, liir* Louderback, but he won»t do It. 

Louder back. 
If he doesn't, you will both starve. Be a sensible , girl, Lucy. 
Give him a good talking to - it may bring him back to his 
senses. (Re-enter Joe with Ray R.-) Gurney, think over what 
I said. I shall come back in half an hour for your ansv/er„ 
(Exits L,U.E..) 

Joe . 
Ray, isntt there some other v/ay? 

Ray. 
No, this v/ay is good enough. I'll stop at the Light office on 
my way back, 

Luc3'-c 
l!7here are you going, Ray? 

Ray. 
To visit a relative of mine . 

Lucy . 
A relative? 

Ray. 
Yes, my uncle. 

Lucy . 
I dddn't know that you had an uncle here in Philaoplis. 

Ray, 
¥ell, I have- 

Lucy. 
Have you been to see him before? 



Lucvo. 
Joe. 
Lucy. 



Yes, several times, and it's vital that I see him again and 
ateonce . 

¥hy? 

Rayo 
I want to separate him from some of his coin.. I am going to 
find out hovj- much "my time" is vrorth to himo. I'll be Toack 
soon. (Exits L.U=E, ) 

Lucy. 
(Surveys Joe v/ho is sorting out the v/ires againo) Perhaps 
Mro Louderhack is righto It would mean comfort and rest in his 
old age, instead of beggary and work. I'll trj'-o Father: 

Joe c 
Yes, Lucy, child = 

Lucy o 
Suppose you should fail again in 3'-our hopes? 

Joe . 
Oh, no, no, no. 

What vrould you do then? 

Try again. 

And fail again? 

Joe<- 
(Doggedly. ) No matter how often I fail, I'll keep on trj'-ing.- 

Lucy . 
But we haven't anything left - all - all has gone, our books, 
the fxirnitiAres, pictures, the piano. "Where would you get the 
money? 

Joe * 
Earn it, somehow, and - and 

Ye s , and - 

Keep on trying » 

Lucy. 
But v/e should starve. Hear me father, I am the only child you 
have now. If you should find out this secret and make a big 
fortune, if you owned this whole city, you coiild only leave 
it to me, and I don't want it. I don*t care tA be rich, but I 
do want food and clothing, and many times lately, I haven "-t had 
enoiigh to eat. 

Joe. 
Oh my darling, don't take my pluck away from me just at this 
point. I tell you I am on the eve of success - a few hours - 
only a few hours may show us the v/ay to thousands . 

Luc;'" c 
Father, you have had this dream for years - years of toil, 
years of study - years of denial. 

Joe o 
Yes, and years of faith in myself, in my life's work. The years 
are not Virasted, the;?- will bear fruit - you shall see- 

Lucy. 
Oh father, if you have any lovelleft for me, give up this hope- 
less struggle - give it up for both our sakes. Accept Mr. 
Louderback's offer. 

Joe ^ 
(Eiercely.. ) What - be his slave again - that man, the father of 
the serpent who tempted your sister out of her Eden of happin- 
ess and peaceful content? You would have me serve - enrich 



Lucy. 
Joe. 



them, my Elsie's miorderers? If Elsie uould advise from the 
grave, she vrould not tell me what you do. She woiild not have 
these people harness my brains, shackle my self respect and 
mock my meekness under the rod. She would cry - "go on,_ 
father, go on - to victory - make the "brave fight, v^e will 
struggle together, we will starve' together, and if Heaven in 
the end denies us our hope, we'll die together - heaten - hut 
not disgraced." 

Luc3'-<, 
I am thinlcing, father, more of you than of myself, hut from 
this hour you'll never hear me complain- I will do the same as 
Elsie 7;ould have done, and share all your hopes and sorrov/s, 
and share them with a smile.. Elsie's memory is precious to 
us "both, hut rememher, father, she could not love you more 
dearly that I do » 

Joe^ 
God hless you, my dear, god bless you. Be patient hut 
for a little while, and never ask me to sell myself, and 
promise me one thing, never to take any help, money or 
assistance or advice from any of these Louderhacks. 

Lucy, 
I promise, father. 

Joe. 
Rememher to hold that promise sacred, Lucy. 

Lucy. 
I will hold it sacred, father. 

Joe . 
Ray v/ill soon return - Immust prepare for him - we hold a 
great test to-night - a great - great test* (Exits R*) 

Lucy. 
He'll never give up, he will take no rest until he succeeds 
or is in his grave, (Knock on door L.U.E. Lucy goes to door, 
opens it, jjgrs. Louderhack enters.) Iurs- Louderhacki 

T^s L. 
Yes, my child. (Looking around. J Your father isn't home - 

Lucy .. 
(Indicating R») He's in there- 

Utrs- L. 
Ah, still at his v;ork« I have heard he hardly ever leaves it. 
Jly poor child, my poor Lucy, how pale anddravm you look. 

Lucy.. 
Did you want to see father, T/rrs. Louderhack? 

Mrs L. 
No dear, it would he of no use, he refuses to speak v/hen he 
sees me aon the street. He hates me because I am Nelson's 
mother, and Walter Louderhack' s wife. He can't tell that I 
loved your sister as much as if she had been my own daughter- 
and it v/ould have been the sweetest joy to me if she could 
have lived and have married my son. 

Lucy. 
Ah, if she had only lived, and all that we can do is to cherish 
her memory. 

jnTS I-i. 

And in doing that, iie must not forget the duty we ov/e the 
living, Lucy, and that is why I am here, and I am going to 
speak plainly. The condition your father and j'-ourself are in, 
is a matter of public comment. That is not just or right. I 
want you to accept a loan from me. 

Lucy. 
I cannot do it, I)rs- Louderhack. I thank you for your kind- 
ness and bless you for it, but you and yours are the last 
people in this world from v;hom we could accept anything. 



9-No 

Porgive me, i don < t '.7ant to \7cund you - I knov;- your goodness of 
heart, I knov/ that charity, rnorcy and virtue dweili there - I 
v/ish your generous impulse could have its way, hut it cannot 
oe J it must not he ^ 

Ltrs.-, Lc. 
Because your father has forhidden= 

Lucy r 
He has my promise^ 

Llrs L« 
Your father and I serve the same maker. All his life has heen 
that of a Godly man v/ho finds the drivine in all - the v/hole 
y.niverse appealed to him, and his very existence has heen an 
ideal of goodness, love and self sacrifice <. 

Lucyo 
Elsie's love v/as a most hitter hlow- 

Jlrs L. 
If "Elsie were alive and here, she v;ould heg your father not to 
deny my wish to sefve youo She would ask aid of the power of 
the most High that awakens the goodness in men, that kindles 
all aspiration - for all that appeals to the hest in us is the 
voice of God calling - she would s^j to your father as I say 
to you - don't he deaf to thevoice - Judge not, lest ye he 
judge do 

Lucy » 
I'm sorrj'", hut — 

llrs L. 
If you only knev/ how my heart "bleeds when I look at your pallid 
cheek, ibhe misery which surrounds you, your hroken shoes, your - 
attire - Oh Lucy, let me do something. I donH v/ant you to de- 
ceive your father, hut - - 

Lucy 
(Gently) I wouldn't deceive him., never, never. Father has hopes 
that things will soon he better. (Laughs faintly) As you say, 
they can't he much worse. I am hoping ith him. I must he loyal, 
you knowo I want to he loyal, because with Elsie gone, gone for- 
ever,! am the only one to whom father can pour out his heart nov^, 
the only one. We have few friends now, only one in fact, Mr. 
Raynor Shine » 

Mrs. Lo 
Oh that was the young man whom ITelson liked so mucho 

Luc3'' 
Yes, I like him too, hut I never let him see it. 

Mrs. L= 
ITOo 

Luc3'' 
llo , I don't v/ant to spoil him. I haven't had much experience, 
hut this I kno\7, it doesn't pay a girl to make a foot-stool of 
herself for a male hrute to step on. 

Mrs. L, 
I don't think there is anything of the male hrute ahout the 
young gentleman, or Welson "/ould not have heen so fond of him. I 
am worried ahout ITelson. He has heen dovm with the fever in the 
Phillippines o (Pause) Lucy, if things don't improve - come to 
me, won't you? Say you will. (Curdle enters L.U=,Ec, ) 

Curdle 
('Closes the door after him) Aheml (They hoth turn) Miss Lucy, 
may I come in? 

Lucy 
If you go outside and knock, you will prohahly "be accorded that 
privelege. 

Curdle 
He, he J (Laughs) You are facetious, aren't you? 



LuG3'". 
Did you ¥/ant to see father? 

Curdle » 
Hot particularly - he alv/ays v/ants to "boriErow moianey of me,, 
I saw him a \7hile ago. My visit now is to you. 

l\lrs« 
Don't forget, Lucy. Rememher I'll never give you a momant's 
rest until you do Y/hat I want you to do. Good night, dear, 
(Kisses her o ) 

Lucy. 
Good night, Turs. Louderhack . (Mrs. L„ exits L.U.Eo) 

Curdle. 
Hinnph: Well, the gall of some people makes me sick, 

Lucy , 
"What is the matter with you, iigr . Curdle? 

Curdle . 
Ylhy don^t these Louderhacks let you alone? Haven't they brought 
miserj'' enough to you and yours? 

Lucy. 
What do you wish to see me about, i,/ir. Curdle? 

Curdle « 
About something of great interest to you* 

Lucyo 
Ah: 

Curdle ,► 
And I may acknowledge of some interest to myself. Now I ^jmctk 
want you to receive the intelligence v/ith decorum, and not let 
yo\xr happiness whirl you into any extravagance of expression.. 

Lucy. 
Why, what has happened? 

Ciirdle. 
I have decided to change my condition, my single blessedness, so 
to speak. I intend to get married. 

Lucy« 
1/larried? Is it possible? ¥lio is she? 

Curdle* 
Can't you guess? 

Lucy* 
No, I can't for the life of me guess what woman there is v/ho 
would marry you. 

Curdle. 
Well, I aan guess. 

Luc3^. 
Oh, don't - somebody's fooling you. Don't be absurd. You must 
realize that if any girl says "yes"to you e she's doing it on a 
bet or some other nonsense. 

Curdle < 
Do you realize that the woman I am going to marry is yourself? 
Your father needs capital, I want a wife. If he discovers any- 
thing of value, ^ive'll keep it in the family. 

Lucy D 
What? You marry me?^ 

Eurdle . 
I guess yes. 

Lucy. 
You'll have to guess again. 

Curdle . 
Do not try by fleering flippancy to forget or falsify your 
forlorn condition. Naught but desperate destitution dv/eils in 
this domicile - as I said before, 3'-our father asked me for 
money* 

Lucy o 
Did you give it to him? 



11-N. 

Curdle » 
No, gave him some good advice insteadc I wall nov/ give you soue. 
You must realize v/hat a come dcvm it would be for a nan in 
my position to marrji a girl in yours. The taint on your 
sister's name — 

Lucyo 
Oh you covra.rd, you low lived cov;ard, to attack the memory of the 
dead. 

Curdle . 
Now let me finish « 

Lucyo 
I will hear no more - out of this house or I will call Yij 
father. Say to him what you have said to me, and man to man, 
old as he is, he will answer your lie and punish you as you 
deserve. (Enter Ray T/ith big basket o) 

Ray. 
"What is the matter, Lucy? 

Liic3^ • 
Oh, Ray - 'Rai.j. Kick this creature out of here, won't you? 

Ray, 
Certainly, Lucy, Iwill take great pleasure in doing so ^ 
presently, but I have use for him Just now. Come in, ikV •> 
Louderback, come in. ¥e can continue ovr conversation. (Louder- 
back enters L..U.E,) Lucy, call your father- 
Luc;'". 
What have you there? (Pointing to basket.) 

Ray„ 
Oh, lots of good things. (Pulls out packages and wine bottles) 
We're going to have a little spread in honor of the event - 
canned goods and champagne - cheese and - (Pulls out 
another bottle.) And chaiapagne - porterhouse and - (Another 
bottle) chartrpagne - other edibles and - (Bus, ?7ith another 
bottle.) champagne. Call your father, Lucy, tell him the 
electric light company is all right:. 

Lucyo 
What have you been doing? 

Ray o 
Eh ? Using my time to the best advantage. Speaking of time, 
tell your father the psychological moment has arrived, 

Lucy . 
^iThat time is it, Rajr? 

Ray , - 

(Peels mechanically for watch^ ) Eh - I don it know exactly, 

Lucy. 
Isn't your watch going? 

Ray, 
Oh yes, in fact, it "has went." Please call your father, 

Lucy , 
Oh Ray - Ray. (Exits R. ) 

Curdle , 
I TTill bid you good evening. 

Ray, ■ 
Not yet, you have a good stiff kick coming before you leave, 
and I'll just make sure you don't leave before you get it, 
(Throws Curdle dovm L, locks the door L.U.E, puts key in 
pocket. ) 

Joe , 
(Enters vifith c oij^, ) Rav, T see you prepared this? (Indicating 
coil,) Luc^'" re-enters-; 

Ray. 
Oh yes, these capitalists are going to v/itness your 
demonstration of its w^orth. I have given Mr. Louderback some 



12-N. 

hint of what we propose to do, axid he , arguing that every man 
has his price, immediately proceeded to try and brihe me to 
hetraj'- your secret. Louder hack, yon have a mean, dirtj?- soul. 
I have T/aited for some years to tell you that - I emhrace the 
opportunity now to inform you that a close study of your 
character and career convinces me that you are the most 
contemptihle speciment of a white inan it has ever heen my 
misfortune to meet. You have a close second though in ±fcx± 
that dyspeptic deacon at your elhow. Yes, you - I me an - (To 
Curdle.) You v^ith the kick cdming. 

Curdle. 
Kick? Kick me - a deacon? Rude rihald ruffianj I shall look to 
you, Joe, for protection. 

Ray . 
Yes, llr . Louderback - you never {jxiessed my identity, but my 
father was one of yoiir man;/- victims in da^^-s gone hj. You 
juggled his fortune av/ay from him, and put the stigma of crime 
upon an innocent man. You caused my mother to die of a broken 
heart - I had a bitter, half starved childhood because of you, 
and I had little to exist on ^ave a legacy of hate. I came to 
this place to probe your record and put you where you belong, 
behind the bars. One of the leading newspapers of this country 
employed me, and I dropped the work because of your wife and 
son.. I fight my battles for n^self againstyou, but for this man 
here, Joe Gurney whom you v/ould rob, I am going to fight you 
to a finish, and you'll find put I can fight like Hell. 

iouderback. 
Joe, I'll come and see you whan you are alone. Make that man 
unlock that door, and let me out. (Joe has been arranging 
coils, pays no attention.) 

Curdle, 
Let me out too. 

Ray. 
No, you came here both of you by your ovm free will and v/ithout 
invitation - you shall leave when we're through with you, not 
before. Demonstrate, Joe, demonstrate I 

Joe, 
I have been at v/ork on the discovery of a perfect insulation. 
I have samples of insulated wire from the leading manufacturers 
in the v/orld purchased for this test. You gentlemen use them all, 
and are familiar with their resistance and dielectiic strength. 
This first is Addison's No. 13 -watch the dial, (Bus. he 
fixes plugs, turns switches, motor buzzes.) Observe the 
Dubois Rhevstat, the booster can develop the current to ten 
thousand volts, but - (Fuse blows out) that insulator could 
never stand the voltage. You know Brovim's Vulcabestor, that 
hasn't the hundreth part of the dielectric strength of something 
you shall see tested presently. (Bus. with plugs and sv/itches 
as before, hand on dial, moves a little , fuse blows out.) 
Sv/ift's vulcanized fibre y No- 8. (Bus. as before.) You see, 
these are the best, knovm to the world. Nov^ I have here a wire - 
almost like a thread, insulated with - 

Ray. 
(Coughs.) Ahem: 

Joe , 
A ne?/ discovery of mine. I have covered the wire with it. 

Curdle . 
(Excited.) "With what, Joe, with what? 

Joe... 
Ah, that's the secret. 

Louderback . 
"What do you expect to do v;ith that? 



Joe , 
Carry successfully all the voltage that can "be mustered at 
the power house . 

Louderbacko 
You are insane o 

Joe c 
Perhaps - hov/ever, we will make the test. 

Louderhackc 
If you succeed — 

Louderhacko 
Wh^tj, that means— 

Ravo 
It means that you and Curdle are both ruined men^ 

Louderhacko 
This is some trioker^'-o- (Joe adjusts plugs.) 

Ray, 
Watch the hand on the dial - Louderhack watch it - wa,tch it - 
see it is going - going the limit* (The hand waveringly swings 
slOT/ly around to the opposite side,) That hand is the hand of 
fate for youjj gentlemen, it points to your hopeless ruin oh 
earth and your eternal agony and damnation in the v;orld to come. 

Louderhack » 
(Cries out.) Another test - another - another - 

Joe o 
Test it yourself, either direct or alternating current, it is 
no difference^ 

Curdle o 
(Screams o )Hov/ do you know that Toltage is genuine - why, if 
it is with that size of wire, motors ma;?- be made one sixteenth 
the size. 

Ray„ 
Exactly, and of the same power.. That's what Joe proposes to 
do - he'll drive all of you sharks v/ho have lived on his 
brains o#l!i of business, .You doubt the voltage, eh? Don 1 1 
put the plug inthe motor - hold it i'-ourself - and you'll be 
sizzling on the devil's frj^ing pan quicker than it takes to 
tell it. 

Louderbacko 
That light - there - that global Connect it v/ith that - it 
needs volts to de velop its brightness. (Joe puts 

plugs in again. ) (Light slowly giows gets bright and brighter) 
Ah, you have foiond it, you have found the perfect insulation. 
Wow for its price, what do you want for it? 

Curdle o 
I'm in on this, Louderback, I'll bid against you. 

Louderbacko 
I'll give every dollar I possess. 

Joe c 
Oh you will? I'or what? 

Louderback. 
For the secret of that insula ti on » Name your price - you have 
something to sell I want to buy. 

Joe „ 
You buy - you'll buy what? You'- 11 buy my l)ody and soul. Will 
you bu3'- back the thirty years I spent in your service? V/ill 
you buy back my dear dead Elsie from her grave in the river? 
Will you buy back my peace of mind, my wounded trust in my 
fellow man -• you'll buy? No, I'll buy nov/. I'll buy you - 
I've bought you. Do you know the price I've paid for you? 
The slavish labor and brain fag of a life time - my hunger - 



my tears - my agony - my despair - the life of my child v/hom 
jiou and yours drove to her death *-• that's what I've paid for 
you, and nov/ I've got you - I've got youo 

PICTURE 



CURTAIN, 
II II II II li II II 



(Second Picture :—— Joe is in chair Lo of table, Lucy clasped 
to his breast, Louderback down Lo his head bovj-ed, Rsij has 
Curdle by collar in door LoUoEo which is open.,) 



-ooooOOOOoooo— — 



-l-p< 



IV. 



Drawing Room at the Louderback Mansion. A liandsome interior, 

Interior Tjacking 




Arcli, cur- 
tained 



1 



/ 3 




-^^ 



I rang four times p 



(l) Piano and stoolo (2) Archj curtained, conservatory "backingo 
(3) Arch, curtained, interior "backing. (4) Sofa, (5) Tatle and 
two chairs. (6) I'ireplace, Large "bay window up R. of C. at 
back. Fireplace with mantel, mirror and clock. Handsome decoratiTS 
furniture, rugs, etc. piano, "bric-a-brac, pictures, statuary, etc„ 
Table with chairs R. and L. down L. Sofa down R, 

At rise: Louderback id discovered seated on sofa Ro he is 
surrounded by suit cases, traveling bags, etc. He is nervously 
fingering the brim of his hat Tsiiich he holds in his hand, and 
seems in a deep brown study. When curtain is well up, electric 
buzzer or bell heard off upper L. Pause. It is heard againo 
Pause. Louderback apparently does not hear the bell, pays no 
attention) (Sings in a melancholy tone 

"My wife^s gone to the country 1 (dolefully) 

Hooray J Hooray 1 (Heaves prodiguous sigh) 

Qur dl e 
(Enters R. of C. window) AhemI Oh y ou'r e herel 
no answer - what's the matter mth your servants? 

Louderback 
Servants? 

Curdle 
That'swhat I said, servants. 

Louderback 
I have noservants now. They all left three days ago^ 

Curdle 
Oh yes, I might have known thato You will have no use or room for 
servants where you are going » Besides , when a man is as badly 
broke as you are - 

Louderback 
Yes - I am very badly broke, that's a fact. 

Curdle 
Still you might have answered my ring yourself, and not force one 
to enter the house through the window like a "porch climbero" 

Louderback 
It will be good practice for your future, but now that you are here., 
what do you want? 

Curdle 
Of you? "Why what have you that you could give me? When I look at 
you I only s ee an "old has been," discredited, disgraced, and 
eligible to the Down and Out Club, All I can get out of you is 
the pleasure of gloating over your condition. I like to gloat, 
you don't mind if I gloat. 



Louder"back 
No - gloat and "b e - - 

Curdle 
DonH say it - oh., don't say it. Louderloack you can well remember 
liOTir your profanity alv;ays caused a cold shiver to pass through, my 
spinal marrow, even when you v;ere somebody , But now that you are 
nobody, a fossilized f i:lure , a peevish, penniless pauper, on 
your way to be a destitute derelict on the ocean of life - why - 
profanity from one in your class to a gentleman in mine, is a freed 
om of familiarity ?/hich I must forbid^ 

Louderback 
(■^earily) Curdle, I wish you'd let me alone, ^y , why have you 
come here? 

Curdle 
Hot to see you, you pulverized plutocrat. I am here to meet the 
new owner of this property, and pay him my respects. 

Louderback 
Well, he hasn't taken possession yet, v;hoever he may be. 

Curdle 
^ihoever he may be I Do you mean to say you don't know who he is? 

Louderback 
Ho, I don't know, and I don't really care very much, although 
he*s been kind enough to let my v/ife and myself remain here for 
some weeks. Mrs. Louderback decided though, we had better get 
out, and we're moving to-day. 

Curdle 
You don't know v;ho he is? 

Louderback 
No . His lawyer refused to tell me when I asked him. I didn't asl 
him again. 

Curdle 
Ahl (Triimphantly ) I know ¥/ho he is. Ahai Your bloated pride i£ 
going to have another stab, I will take great pleasure in guiding 
the dagger home. Listen - the name of the man who succeeds you as 
owner here is Mr. Joseph Gurney. His agent, at the foreclosure, 
bought in the house, for him, Joseph Gurney - the "mwek as Moses" 
man. He is smiting you as Moses of old smote the Egyptian. He's 
going to pursue you until you land on the brink of perdition, and 
then he ' s going to push you off. He has the power, and according 
to your principles, the right. The "right of might." Aha, Loud- 
erback, what do you think of the "right of might" now? 

Louderback 
Curdle, you try to be diabolical, you're only tedious. Go away, 
please go away. 

Curdle 
You don't want to acknowledge how the news hurts you, you pretend 
to be stone, and you're only mush - mush. Wien Joseph Gurney ar- 
rives, as he ¥;ill, to-day, you will see how he treats me. He re-^ 
cognizes my executive ability - he will undoubtedly offer me again 
the place of manager in the new works. Don't come to us for a job 
Louderback, I wouldn't give you four dollars a week„ Oh, but 
you're in a pretty pickle. How the wheel of fortune has turned, 
and left you at the bottom. Your friend Senator Sorghum dead- 
Ah - you didn't know that, '^y , it was in all the papers yester- 
day, ■w/hy you see you have nothing to hope for there - 

Louderback 
(to himself) Sorghum dead - dead I And the evidence he held - 
what - what will become of it - into whose hands will it - - 

Curdle 
i?/hat evidencel TIQiat was it he held - 

LoTiiderback 
(In frenzy) Let me alone - let me alone, or I'll murder you - you 
fiend - you devil - out of my sight - out of here I say - (Grabs 
Curdle by throat, struggle -Mrs, Louderback enters hastily L.U.E.) 



-3-P„ -^ 

MrSo Louderback :^ 

Walter 1 I'alterJ Por mercy's sake - stop I stop J j 

Loudertack 

$Tlirowing Curdle off) Then let tliat snake get out of my sight, '■! 

Mr So Louder"back 

Go, ¥ro Curdle J go,. (Eay and Lucy enter at window) | 

Curdle : 
I will not gOo You don't "belong here any more than I do now, and 

you have no right to drive me out , - 

Ray i 

Curdle, when a lady tells a gentleman to go. the gentl^eman can al- i 

ways take his h.at and go, "but if he isn't a'gentleman and insists j 

tliat he shall stay, it "behooves any real gentleman around to ; 

accelerate his departure » Curdle, if I have to kick you again, j 

the shock will "blacken jcsmx "both your eyeso 3 

Curdle ■; 
You don't own this house - you have no right -- 

Hay 
Yes I iiave. Curdle - the right of mightc On your v/ay Curdle - 

Skiddool i 

Curdle ' 
I bow to your Tirish, Mr. Shine, because of your relationship to 

MTo Gurney , but as for that "obsolete octopus" Louderback, I hated 1 
him in prosperity, in poverty he is still more loathesome to me„ 
(Exit C) 

Lucy 

Mrs. Louderback I (Goes to Mrs„ Louderback, offers both her hands) i 

Mrs. Louderback ! 

Lucy " childl I heard of your marriage to Mr, Shine „ I trust you ■■ 
will be most happy ^ (Draws Lucy up to her and kisses her forehead) 

Walter - I have just had two letters. One from Nelson - Walter, he ; 

is on his v/ay home. This letter is from San Francisco, where he i 

landed a week ago , and Walter, just think, Tdaere he was married. ■ 

iBmnes ] 

Married^ \ 

Mrs 6 Louderback ,• 
Yes, married to the girl ^dao nurded him through his long sickness, 

to the girl as he expresses it, who saved his life. They should : 

arrive here to-day, -■ 

Louderback i 

Such a home coming - such a home coming - to want - to misery - to \ 

despair - [ 

Ray ■ 

Pardon - Mrs. Louderback, but your son is unaware yet of-- • 

Mrs. Louderback I 

Of our misfortune, yes, I could not find it in my heart to worry j 
him with that . 

Louderback 
He must take his share of worry like us alio He won't have a for- 
tune now - he must live with his bride on his pay - his bride J 1 
(laughs) Ha, ha, hai (Suddenly) Do you ]^now Sorghum is dead? 

Mrs, Louderback ; 

Yes, I TiTas going to speak of ito I have a letter from Dulcie here, ' 

that is the other letter I mentioned, ; 

Louderback i 

(Bitterly) Do you know what his death means to me? Ah well - you ; 

will soon learn. This loss of fortune is nothing - nothing - '. 

Mrs. Louderback ; 
Patience I ""/alter! Patience] 

Louderback ■ 

Patience - Do you talk of patience to the poor wretch who is caught \ 

in the quicksand, and is sinking, sinking, no hope of escape - j 

Forgive me, dear, you don't understand. "You are a noble woman, the '. 

best of wives - I - I - If God would listen to the prayer of one so ; 

unworthy as I, I'd beg Him to bless ijou, dear - I - I want to be \ 

alone - pardon me for leaving you - i - (Grabs Mrs„ Eouderback in ■ 

his arms kisses hero Exits quickly R. Ray follov/s after him) J 



Mrs. Loud.er-"back 
Why wouad lie not listen to DuD-cie Soi- glaum' s letter - it concerns 
liim tlie most of it, (Reads) "Dear Mrs= LouderTDack: You have 
learned "by this ss± time of poor Papa's deaths Before \h.e end came 
he entrusted me with a packet of papers for your husloand, and charg- 
ed me to send them to him immediately, I am oheying him„ Believe 
me, in my own great sorrow I can still think of., and sympathize 
with you in yours o Lovingly , Dulcie Sorghum," (Voices Qf 
Louderloack and Ray heard) 

Ray 
1 say - you shall not - think of your wife - your son^ 

Louderhack 
I must escape - I must, ma.n - I must, (Uoise of struggle) (Louder- 
hack and Ray enter R» They are struggling for the possession of a 
pistols Ray finally wrests it from Louderhack who exh.austed„ falls 
on sofa R^ sohhing) - Cruel 18- CruelJ To force a man to live when 
he wants to die,, 

Mrs» IiOuderhack 
(Kneels tp him) Walter! Walter] Look at me - speak to me - 

Louderhack 
Yes " I know - J know - 

Mrso Louderhack 
Poverty is not the worst of things, Walter. I will endure it with 
a smile o 

Louderhack 
Will you endure disgrace? Lo you know that Sorghum* s death puts 
me within the shadow of a prison- s walls? Wouldn't you r ather he 
nry widow , than a felon's wife? 

Mrs = louderhack 
Ah, he is mad - mad - 

Louderhack 
If they thought me madj they might have pardoned my crimen I, the 
catspaw of these politicians,, You have read what ha.ppened. in 
Illinois o They will need a scape goat now^ Sorghimi has hounded me 
far years - yes, and hied me - h.elped to ruin me , and now others 
will take up his work. 

Mrs> Louderhack 
Think not of self murder, hut read Dulcie -s letter and take this 
packet sent you hy the Senator on his death-hedc (Porces it on 
him) 

louderhack 
Packet sent hy Sorghum? (Tears it open, going over papers) The 
proofs of my guilt J His conscience in his last hours made him as" 
sure my safety, and I - I was cursing his very mem.ory^, There's 
some mercy left in his hlackguard world after all^, (Pause) 
I thank you, Mr. Shine,, you stayed my hand, just now - I thank you, 
sir - I thank you„ (Crosses over nervously to fireplace, strikes a 
match, lights papers ^ holds them vdaile they hurn) 

MrSo Louderhack 
What are you doing, Walter^ 

Louderhack 
Slaying a ghost that h.as haunted me for years, getting rid of the 
incuhus that has weighed me down and strangled al.l good impulse*, 
(Joe enters C, Curdle following) My wife - Angel of goodness, you 
true comforter in affliction „ I will face poverty as you are will- 
ing to do J with a smile » Prom now on I will live the life which 
you advise, and trust that my future acts will gain for me some 
portion of forgiveness for the paste (Pause) (Sinks in L^ chair hv 
fire) 

Curdle 
Joe?, Joei (Plucking him hy the sleeve) iTever mind ahout him, 
hear what !_ have to sayo (Joe is intently watching Louderhack who 
•'. s down L,, seated hy fireo Mrs. Louderhack kneeling in front of 
tahle looking up in his face„ I-Eo They are ignorant of Joe's 
presence) Joe won't you listen to me? 



Joe 1 

To what end? \ 

Curdle i 

That I may justify myself ^ '■ 

Joe - ] 

I tell you that I have the absolute proofs that you are the scound- \ 

rel v/ho lurdid old Markham's daughter f r am her home. Her death is j 

at your door„ You have blighted her father's life - can you just- i 
ify that? 

Curdle 

I didnH intend it. Joe, it -was all the woman's f ault <, You see .' 

Joe, I am one of those men whose youth has "been constrained. I had ; 

no chance to sow my v/ild oats then, and now that I am in years, I'm \ 

what they call an easy mark^ \ 

Joe ? 

"^Ihen Markkam learns you are the man, he will seek your misera.hle i 
lifec 

Curdle 

^ZhatJ Do you think he will be - he - sanguinary? ] 

Joe I 

It will he my duty to tell him - to tell the world what a vil- ^ 

lain you are, ] 

Curdle i 

I am not a villain, Joe, I am simply a "trifler" - that is all, a ; 
"trifler«" 

Joe 

You had better leaire here at once , for the rest , I forbid you eTer ; 

addressing me again, in any naanner. (Turns away to Lucy) '• 

Curdle j 

But - 1 

Kay :; 

You heard v/hat Mr = Gurney said. He means it « J 

Ciirdle 'j 

Say 3 in the language of the common herd, you are always "butting « 

in," just as I am getting ready to say something ^ or do somethingo j 

Once for all, for the rest, I forbid you ever addressing me again i 

in any manner « Very v/ell, I'll go - 1*11 leave Philaopolis , but ' 

I'll come back. Oh yes, I'll come back. You can't keep a good man ! 

downo (Exit C) ' \ 

Louderback ! 

Mr » (J-urney , I have learned to-day for the first time, that you are j 

the purchaser of this property^ I want to thank you for your | 

kindness and generosity in permitting us to remain so long, and I \ 

gladly jiield possession, \ 

Joe . J 

It was nothing - nothing, i 

Lo\iderback ; 

Your prayers for success gxid power, and my complete financial ruin | 

^ave come true - the wheel of fortune has turned for both of us, i 

and reversed our positions „ I 

Joe ;. 

And yet I do not feel the exultant thrill at that change that • 

people might suppose I feel a I would give every dollar I possess y. '■ 

and gladly be the humble worker that I u&s , if I co-old only call my i 

daugihter back to life, and hold her next my heart again, I dreamed j 

the other night she was alive , and we were here together in this ] 

room, and I said "Elsie! Elsiel This is your home, all yours, do j 

you hear me, dear, How what shall we do to your enemies? They are ■ 

in my povijer, their very bread is mine, to give or to refuse. Shall • 

I crush them? Shall I humble them to the dust? Shall I strike j 
them down or shall I have mercy? Guide me nov^r, tell me - v/hat shall 

I do?" And as I spoke she snas. seemed to fade away from my view, ■ 

but her svtreet voice came as from a far off, "vengeance is mine, ; 

saith the Lord, vengeance is mine, forgive father, forgive" and i 

Mr , Louderback ^ I do forgive , ; 

Louderback j 

Mr , Gurney , I - ■ 



Joe 

One moment, my forgiveness means more than mere lip service^ j 
could never use this house myself,, It is far too grand for me<, I 
shall remain in the old cottage still, Ray and Lucy are going to 
travel and see the great worldo MrSc Loudertack j, this mansion I 
shall put in your name, Mr, Louderback, if you wish to manage my 
works, the position is yours« 

Louderhack 
I am unworthy - I don't deserve 

Joe 
Let me have my way, Reirenge is the most futile of all passionso 
The one who feels it, suffers more than the olsject of his resent- 
ments Besides J if your pride still galls you, you can lay this unc- 
tion to itj that one near and dear to you helped your undoing, 
and assisted us in the great discovery of insulations^ 

Louderhack 
One near and dear to me? 

Ray 
Your son, Nelson, who sent from the Phillippines tome, samples of a 
certain gum which we comhined with other elements, and solved the 
•puzzle a 

Louder hack 
ly son - Ah, it is fate - fate.. 

Curdle 
(Rushing on) I told you, I'd come hack - Joe - your - 

Helson 
(Outside) It's all right, we'll find them ~ 

nJoe 
(Starts) Ahl 

Mrs. Louderback 
It's HelsonJ My hoy - my hoy - he's hack - come hack to me - 

Our die 
There's a lady with him, Joe.,, 

Lucy . 
His hride - he wrote of „ 

Joe 
His hride I 

Mrs. Louderhack 
Yes, he was married last week in San ^Francisco,. 

ITJoe 
His hride - and he's bringing her here - and wy popr child who died 
because of him - - 

Lucy 
i'atherj father 1 (Clinging to him) 

Eay 
Joel (Endeavoring to restrain him) 

Joe 
(Throws them both off) Awayl Awayl (Paces Uelson who enters C) 
At last^ ¥here is she - this wife you've marriedo Bring her to 
me, you devil - I want toa tell her v»rhat you are, the truth about- 
you and yours „ 

ITelson 
i:You shall.' (At Co reaches off ^ leads Elsie on) 

Elsie 
Patherl ('Joe sees her, falls back, dazed, holds out hands gropingly 
quite long pausoo She goes to him,, nestles in his arms, repeats 
"Pather") 

Joe 
Elsie I Elsie I (Sobbing, embracing her) 



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